Kade's heart hammered in his chest, a mix of excitement and surprise coursing through his veins. "What do you mean?"
"You're so... restrained," Vala said, her eyes searching his. "It's like watching a storm brewing, waiting to unleash your full power. And when you do, it's breathtaking."
Kade swallowed hard, trying to keep his cool. "Thanks," he managed, his voice a little shaky. "But we're in the middle of a training session."
Vala leaned in closer, her breath warm against his cheek. "I know," she whispered. "But sometimes, it's good to let go."
Her words hung in the air, a challenge and a promise. Kade felt a thrill of anticipation, his godly instincts telling him that this was a pivotal moment, one that could shift the very fabric of their relationship.
Her hands moved to his shoulders, then his arms, her touch feather-light yet unmistakable. "I've always admired powerful men," she continued, her voice growing softer. "But none have ever made me feel... this way."
Kade's eyes searched hers, understanding dawning. "Vala, are you saying-"
"Yes," she interrupted, her gaze never wavering. "I'd love to be with someone who can match my strength, who can humble me."
Kade's heart skipped a beat. "I'm just a college kid who got really lucky with some godly powers," he said, his voice earnest.
Vala's smile was gentle. "But you're so much more than that."
Her hand moved to the side of his face, her thumb tracing the line of his jaw. "You're wise, clever, and surprisingly humble for someone who could wipe out planets."
Their faces were inches apart now, and Kade could feel the heat of her breath. "And you," he murmured, "are so much more than just a Battle Maniac."
Their eyes met, and in that moment, something changed. The playful rivalry of the battlefield melted away, leaving only the raw emotion of two powerful beings recognizing a connection that transcended the physical realm.
"Maybe," Vala whispered, "we could be... more."
Kade felt a mix of emotions, his heart racing at the prospect. But he knew he had to keep his cool. He couldn't let his personal life interfere with his divine duties. "Look, Vala," he began, gently pushing her away. "I'm flattered, really. But I think you're a bit... intense for me."
Vala's eyes widened in surprise, and then she burst out laughing. "Intense?" she repeated, her laughter echoing through the training ground. "That's rich coming from the guy who's job to destroy planets!"
Her laughter was infectious, and soon Kade found himself chuckling too. He knew he had to let her down gently. "But seriously," he said, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "I'm still getting used to all this. And you? You're... well, you're a force of nature."
Vala's laughter subsided, her gaze searching his. "So, you're saying I'm too much for you?" she asked, her tone teasing.
Kade shrugged. "Let's just say I like my battles a bit less... explosive in my personal life."
Vala's laughter disappeared, her expression turning intense. "Kade," she said, her voice a mix of passion and anger, "you don't get it. You're it for me. You're the one I want."
"Vala," Kade said, his voice firm but gentle, "I appreciate that you see something in me, but-"
"You'll love me too," she interrupted, her eyes shining with determination. "We'll have strong, beautiful babies. Saiyan-god hybrids that will shake the very foundations of the universe."
Kade's face paled. "Whoa, whoa," he said, holding up his hands. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
But Vala was on a roll. "I know you feel it," she insisted. "The power, the passion!"
Look, I'm flattered," Kade said, taking a step back. "But I'm not ready for any of that. And definitely not while I'm still in training."
Her grip tightened, and her eyes flashed with a fiery determination. "You will be," she declared. "You will love me, and together we will conquer the cosmos!"
Kade's eyes widened as he realized she wasn't joking. "Whoa, Vala," he said, his voice rising in alarm. "You're starting to scare me."
Her response was a fiery blast of ki that shot straight at him. He barely had time to react, raising his hand to block the attack. But instead of the usual clash of energies, something strange happened. His Hakai power interacted with hers, creating a blast so intense that it knocked them both back.
As the dust settled, Vala lay on the ground, unconscious. Kade stared at his hand in shock. He had never used his power like that before—so delicately, yet so effectively. It had been instinctual, a reflex to protect himself from someone who had become a potential threat, even if just for a moment.
He rushed to her side, his heart racing. "Vala," he whispered, feeling for a pulse. It was there, steady and strong. He sighed in relief. He hadn't killed her—he hadn't wanted to. But he knew he had to set boundaries, even if it meant hurting her feelings.
Above them, the sky rumbled, and the ground trembled. Aria looked down at them, her expression a mix of concern and amusement. "Everything okay down there, lovebirds?" she called out.
Kade looked up at her, his face a mask of bewilderment. "I... I don't know," he murmured.
Aria descended, her eyes on Vala. "Well, she's not dead, at least," she said, pragmatically. "But you might want to work on your flirting skills, Kade. That was more 'fearsome god' than 'potential boyfriend.'"
Kade sighed. "I was just trying to keep things from getting too... explosive," he said.
Aria chuckled. "Well, you certainly achieved that," she said, pointing to the unconscious Vala. "Now, let's get her to the medical bay before she wakes up and decides to finish what she started."
Aria uses her staff to teleport Vala away from the training area and into a random feild, the energy from the blast dissipating around them.
In the aftermath of the unexpected confrontation, Vala's friends gathered around the edge of the training area, their eyes wide with a mix of shock and admiration. Kade stood there, his heart racing and his hand still tingling from the unfamiliar use of his power. Among the crowd was Kaia, the Laid-Back One, her electric blue spikes bobbing slightly as she took in the scene. Her sleek, minimalist armor was adorned with glowing tribal etchings that danced over her lean, athletic frame.
Kaia sauntered over to Kade, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Well, I've gotta hand it to you, Muscle Brain," she said, her voice casual and light. "You sure know how to handle a Saiyan in heat."
Kade felt his cheeks flush. "I-it's not like that," he stammered.
"Oh, I know," Kaia said with a wink. "But you've got more finesse than I would've given you credit for."
Her teasing was surprisingly easy to take, and Kade felt some of the tension melt away. "Thanks, I guess," he said with a small smile.
"Don't let it go to your head," Aria warned, floating down beside him. "But she's right. That was pretty impressive, even for a god."
Kade looked over at her, his smile sheepish. "Thanks," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But let's not make a habit out of knocking out potential friends."
Aria's golden eyes gleamed. "I'll remember that for next time," she said. "But for now, we have another appointment."
The next Saiyan to challenge Kade was Risha, the Brainy Strategist. Her short, toned frame was encased in a sleek black battle suit with metallic blue highlights that looked like they could double as a lab coat. The scientific edge to her attire matched her sharp, analytical gaze, which swept over Kade with a hint of curiosity.
"So, you're the one," Risha said, her voice cool and measured. "The god with the power of destruction."
"Yeah," Kade said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "That's me. Just a regular college kid turned cosmic wrecking ball."
Risha's eyes lit up. "Fascinating," she said, her hands itching to scribble notes on an invisible clipboard. "Your Hakai abilities are a phenomenon I've never encountered. I'd love to study them."
Kade blinked. "Study me?"
"Oh, not in a creepy way," Risha assured him. "Just from a strategic standpoint. There's so much we could learn from each other."