I have sat back a read for a long time. I feel it is now time to attempt an entry. Thank you, Seducing Reason and Infinite Pen for the western inspiration. Here is my attempt for the Oneshot challenge from Maddie-san's Blue & Black community, keyword "Epiphany." Too late for entry, but I would love reviews of any kind.

Disclaimer: No, I don't own any of these characters.

Epiphany

Leaving the civilized world had never been in her game plan; since she was a little girl gowns, curls, and etiquette had always been her number one priority. Unfortunately, a flood of unworthy suitors had been flooding her father's study. They came in all forms: short and cheerful, but dolefully unattractive or gorgeous but negligent play boys. But whether Bulma appreciated their company was trivial because she couldn't shake the feeling that to these men she only meant one thing. Freedom. It was well known in society that she would inherit the entire family fortune, and fortune means freedom. She was the only child of the Briefs lineage, and with her family's wealth she could buy her own country, if she had that aspiration. But now the woman was approaching the end of being called young by the gossip queens of society, and she was entering the danger of being called an insatiable heiress. Personally Bulma couldn't agree more. The blue haired woman wanted adventure not pleasantries; she wanted passion not logic. And by god, if this woman wanted something, it would be attained.

The garden stretched out before Bulma in a maze of green as shoulder high bushes weaved and tangled in an intricate pattern. She had asked for this labyrinth at age ten, and still she loved to meander though the foliage. Secretly hoping she might lose her way and find some amazing land of adventure like in fairy tales. She sighed deeply and returned to the letter at hand. Her friend from school had been a great pen pal over the years. They often shared quirky events in their lives in an attempt to escape the overpowering monotony of a regular life.

My dearest friend,

I may have found your calling! Father just returned from that untamable land to the west, bringing with him souvenirs for us to enjoy. This is even better than those fantastic pirates, apparently they are called cowboys, more specifically outlaws. When one of these men has done something divinely horrible, an announcement is posted with a picture and reward for the capture of the villain. Father brought me one, and as soon as I saw it, I knew this is for your enjoyment alone. He even tops that scoundrel of a seadog you used to rave about.

I miss you,

Chi-Chi

Bulma laughed heartily to herself. I see she's as boy crazy as ever. Leafing through the contents of the envelope, she fingered the course and slightly burnt poster her friend had mentioned. And once unfolding the paper his eyes immediately accosted her. A dark piercing glare penetrated Bulma's countenance; she felt the need to look away, but couldn't find the strength. Eventually she managed to fold the paper over again. Oh my, and that is only a copy of the original! She put the paper back into the envelope and continued her safe adventure in the labyrinth.

But as she walked she compared the intensity of that man's eyes to that of the self conscious eyes of her suitors. Or for that matter, any man she had met. She had to see it again, so she quickly removed to wanted poster and inspected its entirety. Reading out loud to herself she examined the paper; "Wanted dead or alive, reward of one thousand dollars for the kill or capture of ring leader Vegeta." She felt butterflies fluttering through her and her skin tingled. Bulma felt she had been pulled into a savage journey. One in which Barbarous Bulma, best and most beautiful bounty hunter in the land, would subdue and capture the dark and deadly ring leader Vegeta. The idea made her fell giddy. Vegeta. She repeated in her head. It almost felt wrong to think his name. She felt absolutely scandalous … and she liked it! She spent the remainder of her walk envisioning possible scenarios as Barbarous Bulma in the Wild West.

Entering the house was a complete change from her day dream as she was approached immediately by her jubilant mother. In a high and excited tone Mrs. Briefs began, "Oh my dear child! That handsome Sir Yamcha came by to visit again. A fine specimen if you ask me."

"Well I didn't mom." The younger woman responded with dissent.

"Oh." Mrs. Briefs had a momentary glance of disappointment before barreling through to her normal unnatural cheery visage. "You are just such a pretty young woman, it's quite a lucky thing given you're so picky! Why, I do believe you could have any man you wanted!"

Bulma almost whined in response, "That is a consequence of my money, not my looks. I want more than just a good marriage out of my life, mom!"

"Oh dear, don't be silly. Now go change out of those clothes, why you look almost wild after those ridiculous walks of yours. Why your father allows that overgrown forest is beyond me! Anything could be lurking in there."

As Bulma climbed the stairs to her bedroom and as her mother's ramblings faded, she smiled to herself. Almost wild, the heiress Bulma Briefs … wild. She rather liked that idea. After entering her lavish bedroom, the woman pulled out the burned paper from her pocket. His eyes were amazing, and she had to stare for a good bit of time before she truly noticed his flame like hair. With an intake of breath she thought, It's inhuman! She had to agree with her friend; he was better than the pirate, much better. And attainable.

By nightfall she had decided. Bulma Briefs was going west. She would catch a glimpse of this outlaw. She felt a yearning in her bones. A yearning so strong it felt as if fate would bend its web and force her, if she didn't take the opportunity herself. This man represented everything she lacked in her current situation: freedom, adventure, and danger. She would have her adventure.