AN: Cheese and crust, I actually have a story for these two again! I've wanted to write more fanfics with this pairing for the past 4 years but haven't gotten any inspiration for a plot until now! So it's best to explain some background info on this story. It's an AU set in a medieval time on Earth. Usagi is Princess Serenity (21) of the Silver Kingdom and Trunks (22) is her noble bodyguard. The only superhuman abilities saiyans have are strength, speed, hearing, and sense of smell. More will be explained as we get a little deeper into the story. Please fuel my renewed inspiration with your support via reviews if you like it. Okay, now on with the show!

Chapter 1: Once Upon a Time

The sound of laughter and fluttering of wings could be heard at the top of a familiar bakery. A man dressed in a more casual version of the royal guard's uniform walked around to the back of the building. He knew all too well how one can get up there without the use of a ladder. He sighed and took a moment to run a gloved hand through his long lavender tresses, pushing them out of his eyes.

'Time to get down to business,' He thought as he stepped onto a crate, then a tall barrel, and then held onto the gated fence behind it. He used the gate to get more height in order to jump and reach the balcony rail. With minimal effort he hoisted himself up on it and used the window on the far right as a step to reach the roof. He came up behind the massive chimney, hidden to the source of the giggling. A smirk graced his lips as it seemed the cooing and fluttering from the flock of birds drowned out any possible noise he made climbing up.

He peeked from behind the chimney to set his sight on the back of a blonde woman feeding bread crumbs to the birds. His smirk grew wider upon confirming she was oblivious to his presence. He treaded lightly coming closer behind her with the stealth that only came from years of experience. Once he was a mere arm length away he leaned in and sharply blew into her ear. He was satisfied when her immediate reaction was to let out a startled yelp and fall over from her seat on a crate, dropping her bread. She whipped around and looked up at him with her big cerulean eyes. Her shocked expression turned to one of relief and amusement when seeing who it was. He merely grinned back at her shamelessly before offering his hand to help her up.

"Don't scare me like that!" She said once she was back on her feet and thumped him playfully on the chest.

"My apologies," He chuckled in response as she dusted off her dress.

"You take twisted pleasure in startling me, don't you Trunks?" She eyed him with her hands on her hips.

"Maybe," He answered coyly, making her huff in response.

"Well, it sure took you a while to get here. Did I finally manage to throw you off for once?" She asked giddily.

Trunks merely shook his head. "No, I only realized you were gone when I left mess hall."

"Goodness you sure eat a lot. I think between you and me we'll always clean out Makoto's kitchen." She shook her head and sat back down on the crate, gesturing for him to sit next to her.

He pulled another crate from nearby and sat on that, catching the pout she made at the gap between them. His eyes fell on her shoes that were scattered on the floor. No doubt she threw them up there and climbed up barefoot for a better grip.

"You're not hurt, are you?" He asked gently.

"No," She picked up what was left of the bread loaf and began to tear the piece into smaller pieces to continue feeding the birds. "I'm just in need of a bath," The cinders of the chimney and dust stained her clothing and formed smears on her face. Her hands were also dusty but not as much as what he saw of her feet under the hem of her gown.

He remained quiet for a minute before clearing his throat. "You know, wouldn't it be better to feed your subjects all of that free bread the baker gives you?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Trunks, I'm more than charitable to anyone that needs it. I'm quite the giving princess, after all. Besides, these birds live in my kingdom. They're my subjects too." She smiled and picked one up to pet.

"Until they're shot down and cooked up to be eaten." He mumbled.

Her jaw dropped as she stared at him in mock horror and amusement. "Gods, you are so morbid!" She giggled. "Well, if that were the case, I'd be subsequently feeding my subjects some plump birds."

"Well said, your highness." He smiled.

"Trunks, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" She frowned and released the bird she was petting.

"Sorry, just trying to be professional." He apologized.

"For whom are you trying to be professional? It's just you and me, Trunks. You're my best friend. And don't you dare say that it's because you're getting paid to be." She shot him a glare with that last sentence.

"Then as your friend, Sereni-Usagi, I'd appreciate you coming back to the palace since you're late for your music lessons and your final fittings for your ball gown." He said and switched to her preferred nickname, not wanting to sound like a nag.

Usagi groaned with distaste. He knew her schedule better than she did. "I hate music lessons. When will mother learn I'm no good with instruments? Can't I at least play hooky since it's my birthday?" She whined.

"You really should start accepting your responsibilities. After all, you're of marriageable age now." He said firmly, repeating what her mother said the night before word for word.

The princess hid her face behind her hands. "Don't remind me! Mother's got every eligible bachelor of noble blood preparing to come seek my hand now." She would have been married off as early as eighteen if the queen had arranged a betrothal years prior. Queen Serenity decided to wait until she was twenty-one to marry her off; in hopes she would mature and be groomed into a better wife and queen.

Trunks cracked a small smile. "You know, instead of having to deal with so many formalities and waste time being courted, you can have all of them compete in a footrace to chase you all over the city."

She looked up at him and smiled back. "They'd be left at quite a disadvantage. If I hid, none of them would find me like you always do." And if there was anyone she trusted not to give away her position, it was Trunks.

"It's all just part of my job." He said sheepishly with a shrug.

"Speaking of your job, are you coming to the ball tonight?" She asked hopefully. "I want you to be my first dance."

It was his turn to hide his face behind his hand and shake his head. "I can't. I'm sorry." He made the foolish mistake to sneak a glance at her and catch her crestfallen frown.

"Why can't you?" She inquired, trying to keep her disappointment out of her voice.

"I'm summoned to help with the hunting party in the outskirts. I'll depart shortly so I'll be there before sunset." He explained.

Usagi furrowed her brow and shook her head in disapproval. "No, you can't go. I won't allow it. Send a raven and tell them they'll have to find someone else." She stood up and crossed her arms.

"Usagi…" Trunks frowned, knowing she was hurt more than she let on. He could see it in her eyes.

"I'm the princess and I want you here. I command you to stay." She said assertively with her chin up.

He shook his head. "You can't. Your mother already saw to preparing the horses for my departure."

Her shoulders hesitantly slumped as she realized there was not much she can do but accept defeat. He had to go as soon as they get back to the palace. She probably couldn't talk her mother into letting him stay after she went through all the trouble to arranging his leave. She didn't have the authority once her mother had spoken. Plus it was a civic duty for a member of the royal guard to join the hunting party, especially if summoned. In fact, they always brought in the most game when Trunks was there with them. For the good of her people, she had to let him go, despite yearning to have him by her side on her birthday.

"Then I guess it's a shame. I'll miss having my shadow there, watching over me." She put on a sad smile.

Trunks fought the urge to pull her into his arms to ease her pain. He inwardly cursed the full moon for having to rise on such an important evening. He'd give anything to be there for her. He settled on tenderly taking her hand and holding it.

"Forgive me," He pleaded.

The blonde gave the barest of nods and tried her best to cheer up for him. "What ever will I do without you, I wonder? I'm going to be all dolled up in a room full of men wanting to bed me, without my most trusted guard to protect me. It sounds like a disastrous situation waiting to happen." She said half-jokingly.

His signature smirk tugged on his lips as he looked her in the eyes. "Just holler for me and I'll come running, little rabbit. After all, it is one of your stronger talents." He chuckled at the annoyed look she shot at him.

The princess playfully shoved her guard. "Oh, I can't believe you sometimes! You know, that sass of yours is why you'll never get married."

"Oh, I don't think I'll ever get married. It wouldn't be fair to my wife that my job requires more commitment, with you being ever the handful and constantly disappearing." He teased.

Usagi went quiet for a moment before looking back up at him. "Trunks, how do you always find me anyway? Like you did on the first day we met?" She asked.

He went rigid and decided to not grace her with an answer.

"Ah, typical Trunks response, the blank stare." She said with a hint of delight. She knew better than to push the issue. Trunks had been an enigma since day one and proved he could be as stubborn as she is at times. "Since we only have a little while left before you go, why don't you tell me one of your stories?"

He physically relaxed at that question and looked deep in thought for a moment. "I'm currently out of good ones right now."

Usagi pouted like a child. "Oh come on, you owe me for tonight!"

"I'll do you one better, then. Next time we meet, I'll take you horseback riding." He offered. "How does that sound?"

Usagi's face lit up. "Will it be just the two of us?"

He nodded.

"No pretentious side saddle?"

"No side saddle." He answered.

She let out a squeal and jumped up to hug him. "Deal..!" She chortled as she had her arms wrapped around his neck and her bare feet dangling over the floor.

Trunks blushed but awkwardly returned the embrace, trying to calm his heart pounding. She held him for what seemed like almost a whole aching minute. Not having the heart to pull away or asking her to let go he decided to break the ice like he normally would. "Great, now I need a bath too…" He feigned a groan.

She snickered and lowered herself back to her feet while pulling away. "Sorry about that."

"All right, time to get you back home." He said and picked up her shoes for her.

Flashback

Horse hooves clicked against the cobblestone of the town square as a group riding under the royal insignia smoothly strolled down. Princess Serenity, then seventeen years of age, rode at the center of the group on her favorite horse. She forced a smile on behalf of her subjects who were waving or nodding at her in respect. Inside, however, she was far from happy. Her clothes were too restrictive, riding side saddle was ridiculously uncomfortable, and to top it all off, it was so eerily quiet. The town seemed to drop everything upon the sight of her out and about, exchanging the faintest of whispers among one another.

Every click unnervingly resounded in her mind like the tick of a clock. Oh, how she detested clocks! Every day, every hour, she had somewhere to be. She had everything planned for her and very little say in it. She longed to be outside of the palace walls, but nothing like this. Six armed guards as her royal escort, made to parade side saddle for 8 minutes around the square, and she is expected to return to her lessons on time. Punctuality had never been her strong point anyway.

She tightened her grip on the reins and bit back a groan. Her legs were starting to fall asleep. Why did she have to subject herself to such discomfort for the sake of propriety? You'd think a princess's comfort would matter more than some tired protocol. She merely wished to sightsee without being limited to the inside of a carriage. And she certainly didn't want to be riding on a horse in this position, being herded around by her sentry like some farm animal. She wanted to be among the people, her people. Like always, if she wanted something she'd have to get it her way and that involved very unorthodox methods. And there was a new one she had been itching to try. Just her luck the novice to regular guard ratio was in her favor. Good thing too, she had been meaning to pull a fast one on the new additions.

She held up her hand to her temple and let her shoulders slump, bobbing her head loosely to the motions of the horse. "Oh my…" She whispered.

"Is everything all right, your highness?" Raditz, one of her regulars, asked with a touch of concern.

"I'm starting to feel dizzy," she murmured and drooped her eyelids for effect.

"Then would you like to turn back?" Turles, another regular, asked. He and his older brother Raditz have worked for the royal family long enough to be suspicious of whatever antics the young princess would conjure up.

When she shook her head in response, the brothers exchanged knowing smiles. That proved them right. She was definitely up to something. She probably wanted to get away and find a place to hide for an hour or two like she would in the palace. Turles understood that kind of behavior, him growing up a rowdy boy himself. Raditz was only going to play along because this opened up a lovely opportunity to get the recruits warmed up. They had to endure events such as these for years and it was now time for them to draw the lot to pass on the torch. And the long-haired regular had his sights set on one particular newcomer.

A strong looking young lad sporting a lavender bowl-cut hadn't made a peep since orientation. He stood out from the eager youths like a sore thumb. The stony expression on his face made him look much too serious for his liking. His sky blue eyes however spoke in volumes of his readiness to act and serve. It was an unmistakable look of focus, restraint. He knew all too well that was the type that took years to obtain. Raditz had read this one's credentials earlier but that look irrevocably convinced him, beyond a doubt. However he knew once his nose had first caught his scent. This boy named Trunks, he was one of them.

The princess let out a whimper before tipping off of her horse, landing in the frantic arms of another newcomer. "I've got you, your highness!"

The mass of pedestrians surrounding them gasped and held their breath with anticipation.

The first time guards buzzed with concern and circled around her, all but the one with lavender hair. Trunks kept his distance with balled up fists as if he was fighting to stay in place. Sky blue eyes glared at the man who caught her when he carried her to a nearby bench. The glare turned into one of mal intent when he saw him sneakily cop a feel.

"Just back up and give her some air, men." Turles barked and the newcomers backed off and took steps back to where Trunks was standing.

The only one that stayed by her side was the one that caught her, a man with scars on his face by the name of Yamcha.

"Should we warn him?" Turles asked his brother secretively.

"And spoil her fun? No, let's wait," Raditz grinned and looked like he was doing a countdown in his head.

Trunks heard their murmuring and his interest was intrigued, deciding to wait along with them instead of prying the man off of the princess.

And like a starting bell or horn the princess's foot jolted and hit her perverted 'savior' right where it hurt, earning gasps from all her unsuspecting onlookers. Yamcha sputtered as he fell to the floor, holding his groin to ease the sharp pain.

"Next time, be sure to mind your hands." Usagi said tartly before jumping over him and darting off.

"Whoever brings her back to me gets a bonus!" Raditz called out, signaling the new guards to commence the chase.

The three left standing took off after the speeding blonde, quite astounded at just how fast she can go. For a princess she could have been on par with sprinters from the world games. The immediate crowds parted as the rogue royal hurried through.

"Now, brother," Raditz stretched and decided to recline on a nearby bench. "We kick back and relax as our minions do our dirty work."

"Seeing as that could take a while, I'm going to get some rum." Turles muttered and walked to the nearest tavern.

Just when she managed to give them the slip in a nearby alley, the blonde paused to catch her breath. The sound of sniffling could be heard and she blinked and turned to face a barefoot girl huddled against the wall.

"Excuse me, but what's the matter?" She asked as she bent down to meet her eye level.

"I'm supposed to meet my betrothed today. And my parents want me to look nice but my slipper lost its heel. They were so expensive and now I can't even afford to go to a cobbler to fix it. I can't meet him like this. My parents will be furious!" The young woman replied.

"Well I don't have money on me right now but I can spare my shoes. Here, try these." The princess slid off her slippers and handed them to her to try on.

"T-They fit." The girl choked out happily.

"Good, you can keep them then." Usagi grinned. After all, she could easily part with them now that she was planning to run a while longer.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" The girl embraced her, deeply moved a total stranger would give away such nice looking slippers.

"You're welcome. Now go and meet your fiancé." Usagi ushered her out of the alley after returning her embrace.

"Thank you again!" The young woman waved as she jogged off.

Usagi froze when she realized the girl gave away her position and realized the guards 2 buildings away spotted her.

"Oh dear," She bit her lip and got back to running the opposite direction.

She slowed down when she realized one guard was at the end of the very alley she was in, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His sky blue eyes pierced into her through his lavender locks making a stern facial expression. Realizing he wasn't moving an inch as she passed by him, Usagi reached top speed and high-tailed it once more.

Down a tunnel, past a well, and ducking past some nearby horses Usagi had seemed to drop out of sight once more but crawled into a cart of hay and hid under the pile. Her eyes peeked through a cranny as she saw the mix of uniforms scramble around, wondering out loud where she could have gone. She did her best to stifle a giggle at their confusion and frustration. Of course the growing frustration on their faces made her dread being caught all the more. She really didn't like getting an earful from a guard that's lost his patience with her. She got quite enough of that from her mother and instructors.

When they seemed to be out of eye and ear distance she poked her head out of the hay once the coast was clear. She sighed in relief and climbed out, dusting herself off and picking out straws from her hair.

"Please, I'll pay you back when I get the chance. I promise!" A man cried out as he got on his knees in front of a fabric shopkeeper.

"I can't feed my children with promises, sir." The shopkeeper shook his head.

"But my wife has gone into labor with our first child. She needs extra blankets!" The begging man pleaded.

"You should have been prepared from the beginning. Good day, sir." The shopkeeper said and closed the door on him.

Usagi frowned as she stepped up to the man who looked like he was going to have a break down. "Excuse me, sir. I believe I have fabric to spare."

"You do?!" He glanced up at her in incredulity.

She smiled and nodded before she began yanking at her own skirt. With a couple of rough pulls and tearing noises she managed to come up with the two out of the three layers of fabric covering her legs. "Here, I'm not sure if it's enough but it's free quality silk." She said and offered him the bundle of cloth.

He stared back at her with his jaw hung agape. The young woman literally gave him the material off her very legs. He would have never imagined such charity from a complete stranger especially in a time of need such as this. He had been too honest of a man to steal yet was guilty of considering the option after begging the shopkeeper turned out fruitless. While outrageous the gesture was, rendering this strange woman with her feet and ankles bared, it was simply one he could not refuse.

He bowed his head with tears in his eyes. "Bless you, lass! May the gods bestow you all happiness in the world," he smiled.

She smiled back, inwardly touched by his words.

When the man scurried up the hill, her eyes caught a familiar shade of lavender hair among the crowd. She groaned and stomped her foot childishly. "Not him again," she grumbled and took off once more.

The odd thing she noticed is that she never really saw him running after her. He just kept turning up wherever she was like some sort of ghost. It almost seemed like she was trying to outrun her own shadow!

It looked like she had to step up her game and do something so reckless even for her standards. She spotted the bridge above the canal and smirked devilishly. Quite fortunate she had never missed a swimming lesson. Once at the bridge she hoisted herself up the rail until she was balanced on her feet. She peeked over behind her shoulder and saw the same head of lavender hair emerging from the crowd. Only this time he was actually running towards her, in attempts to keep her from jumping.

'Huh, guess this was pretty reckless,' She thought before taking a deep breath and diving forward. Her eyes widened at the surprisingly long fall down before the splash. Had she just made a nineteen foot jump into water?

Feeling herself aided by the current of the waterway, she got to kicking forward before coming up for air. She winced at the tingling sensation of her skin, feeling like it got smacked on impact of the dive. She was thankful she didn't have her skirt layers weighing her down anymore. Her legs felt free as she wiggled her toes, relishing the cool touch of the liquid. She braved to look back in the direction of the bridge for the mysterious guard and realized she was pushed too far off to spot him.

"Looks like I lost him again," She frowned, now feeling a tad guilty that she must've scared him.

With a couple more kicks and strokes, Usagi decided to climb back out on land. She walked on a grass patch while wringing her hair dry. She mentally noted while she was in pretty much nothing but her undergarments she was much more comfortable and ready to run for another hour or so. She could do without her corset however. She was going to have to stop and catch her breath more and could do without the constriction.

"Come on! Get the knots loose. We're going to be late." A little girl chirped as she bounced around what looked like her big brother who was struggling with a jumbled mount of tangled kite string.

"It's no use, its bound too tight." The boy sighed.

"But the competition is in five minutes," the sister whined.

"I'm sorry but we need new string. If we don't find any, we'll have to try next year." The boy glanced at his homemade kite. "And I thought we were going to win too."

"Don't give up," the little girl's lower lip quivered.

"She's right you know." The princess spoke up as she approached them. "Here," she started and fumbled with the laces of her corset to loosen it enough to slide it off. "You can use this for string. It's quite long once you pull it all out." She said and handed the garment to the boy.

The boy and girl stared at it in awe before looking up at her with matching smiles. "Thank you, lady!"

Usagi laughed and waved them goodbye while strolling off. Realizing she was getting quite a few stares for her appearance she decided she needed to hide again. The last thing she wanted was to draw more attention to her and have the guards come running. She was pleasantly surprised however at how many people didn't know who she really was. It was almost like she was just a normal citizen.

'Okay, maybe just a bit on the loony side, but still normal.' She snorted to herself.

A shiver ran down her side and she brought her arms up to wrap around her chest for warmth.

Luckily, she spotted a bakery and saw that the chimney was getting to work releasing all the heat from the baking bread. She smiled to herself at just how perfect it was and scaled the building with little hesitation.

On the roof she crouched near the chimney and held her hands out in front of it to take in the heat being put out of the oven. "Much better," she exhaled, not having a care in the world if she were coming home covered in cinders.

This day would sure be one to tell her grandchildren about. She wreaked havoc among the royal guard but also did a handful of good deeds she was quite proud of. She hoped she could perform more random acts of kindness like she did today as queen. It seemed more enjoyable than the diplomatic customs she was being schooled in.

She huffed and looked around, pausing when her eyes fell on the palace in the distance. Is that what her home looked like? My, had she strayed quite far all by herself but the view was simply breathtaking. She stood by her previous thoughts, today was definitely a day to tell her grandchildren about.

Her reverie halted when she felt a heavy cloak drape over her shoulders and she let out a startled shriek, falling over while trying to back away from whoever snuck up from behind. Low and behold, it was the same man with the lavender hair.

She took a moment to catch her breath and he stretched out his hand to help her up. She accepted and dusted herself off once back on her feet, wrapping herself with the dry cloak. "You almost made me jump out of my skin!"

He didn't grace her with an answer.

"Well, I guess given the circumstances, I might've deserved it…" She muttered thinking of her stunt at the bridge.

He gave what appeared to be a nod in response.

"Just how did you find me?" She pouted and tilted her head.

He avoided eye contact and remained hushed.

She stepped up and looked him in the eyes, the ones that watched her like a hawk all morning. She froze in place as she got a good look at him. The contact gave her a weird feeling that made her tense up for a moment. She would describe it as if she was lassoed by an invisible rope and tugged towards him.

The blank expression on his face flickered for a brief moment to one of surprise, his posture tensing up similar to hers. He, however, slipped back to his previous air and continued to study her silently.

She mentally noted with relief he didn't look angry at her like the other guards were. Instead he just observed like he was waiting for her next move. The fact that he hadn't spoken once was almost troubling.

"You sure talk too much," she blinked, now all the more curious. Her eyes widened when a thought struck her. "Dear gods, you're not mute are you?!" She covered her mouth in shame.

Before he could answer her, her hands cupped his face and he could feel her prying his mouth open by the jaw. He opened wide and looked at her like she grew a second head, taken back from the total disregard of personal space.

"Oh good, you're not missing your tongue." The princess breathed in relief and let go of him. "Sorry about that. I only wanted to be sure. I hope I didn't offend you." She laughed nervously.

He shook his head to indicate there was none taken.

"Do you have a name?" She asked but then slapped her forehead upon realizing she didn't personally introduce herself and must have come off so rude.

"Sorry, where are my manners? Princess Serenity II of the Silver Kingdom," she said with a curtsy "Most people call me Usagi." She added with a smile. "What's your name?"

"Trunks, your highness," he gave her a graceful bow in return.

Her smile grew wider hearing the sound of his voice. "So you do speak."

He gave her a nod. It appeared he was a man of very few words then, a very handsome one, nonetheless.

"I guess this means I have to go back home now right?" She bit her lip and covered her blushing cheeks with his cloak.

He gave another nod of his head.

"Well that's a shame. I was hoping I'd be out long enough to miss my history lesson. There's not much to it but lectures, dates, names, and wars. How dull. If only it was as whimsical as the old legends and fairytales in storybooks. At least then, my tutors would have my attention." She gabbed while turning around to admire the view once more.

She paused and turned back at him and covered her face in slight embarrassment. "I'm sorry; this must all sound so silly to you. I shouldn't be spewing out such nonsense in front of a guard. You're all hired muscle and probably don't care for such childish things."

"What do you know about the Kingdom of Vegeta?" Trunks inquired.

Usagi blinked in surprise and was caught slightly off guard with such a question. "Well, there was this really big war that started about a hundred years ago and it took an alliance with our kingdom and the Gem Kingdom in order to win. The empire had fallen and now the land is just an abandoned desert. And in the battle... what was it? Forty years ago? Mother's father took that wound that eventually killed him like, eight years later. It's quite a sensitive subject for her. So it was one of the only lessons I was allowed to skim through. That's all I really know." She fumbled her fingers, hoping she was remembering those details right.

He nodded in approval as if to say she was correct. Though he wasn't too surprised she missed one very important thing. "Do you know what Saiyans are?"

She shook her head and flashed him a guilty frown. "I heard the word before but I was never really told what it was." Her mother had very few subjects she had labeled taboo for her education and she had kept her deep in the dark. "Does it have to do with the Kingdom of Vegeta?"

He motioned for her to take a seat on a nearby crate and she obliged like an eager child. He knelt down to meet her eye level and began an enthralling story.

"The Saiyans were their warrior class and the pride of the armada. They trained their entire lives and were blessed with great strength and strength in numbers. These people were born for warfare, it was their best trade. It was how the Kingdom of Vegeta expanded into such a colossal empire. They supplied soldiers to other kingdoms far and wide when needed during times of war."

Usagi leaned in with her interest perked, especially with how passionate Trunks spoke. "What happened to them?"

Trunks's mouth formed a hard line. "After so many conquests, the saiyans grew arrogant. They were so disconnected from everything besides battle it turned them into barbarians. They lost all sense of honor, mercy, and compassion. So they declared war thinking they were unstoppable. So many innocent people slain, so many villages burnt to the ground, and they left nothing but pain and suffering behind."

"And then what happened?" Usagi asked, looking pale from imagining such a horrid injustice.

"The cries and prayers of their victims reached the Gods and angered them. The Gods decided to unleash their wrath upon the Saiyans for abusing the gifts they were bestowed. And with that wrath came a terrible curse…"

Usagi's eyes were as big as saucers at this point. Never had she been as absorbed in a tale as captivating as this and it wasn't even a relatively happy one.

"On the night full moon, the saiyans were cursed to change into monstrous beasts as if to resemble what they were on the inside. These forms they took were called Oozarus. When they first transformed, they all turned against each other. With each full moon, their numbers radically decreased. They were left vulnerable for attack at the dawn after the full moon and the alliance between the Silver and Gem Kingdom prevailed in removing the saiyans from power. The survivors scattered all across the lands. Some perished under the desert sun, some died seeking revenge, others were hunted down, and rumor has it they even could have gone into hiding in order to live a life of peace."

"Well, that was a bittersweet ending." Usagi frowned.

"Huh?" Trunks blinked.

"Well usually curses are broken when the victim learns their lesson. What happens to the ones that want peace? Are they going to stay monsters?" She said with a softened expression.

"I-It's just a story, highness, based on the war." He mumbled and looked down at his feet.

"How did you stumble upon it?"

After a pause he glanced up at her with a half smirk. "I guess I just always paid more attention during history lessons."

"You sure are cheeky," she huffed.

Upon the two returning to the palace, Raditz was waiting at the front gate with his arms crossed. "So, did you give him a run for his money?" He asked, smirking at the sight of her wrapped up in the trainee's cloak.

"Actually, he gave me a run for mine." She scowled and removed the cloak, revealing her tattered and damp undergarments. She threw the cloak on Trunks's head as if he were a coat rack.

Raditz snickered at the scene before him. Mostly out of surprise of his princess's appearance. Just how desperately did she try to lose him to end up like that? 'Gods, her mother is going to raise hell over this,' he thought.

"Well, I promised a bonus upon whoever would bring you back. What do you say, princess? Is he good enough for a promotion too?"

Usagi rolled her eyes at his obvious amusement and looked back at Trunks. "Well he's definitely suitable for a permanent position, if that's what you mean. He's awfully quiet though."

"Good. Congratulations, boy. You're her new night guard now." The regular grinned.

Usagi's eyes widened and Trunks pulled his cloak off his head to reveal a similar flabbergasted look on his face. Before either could recover one of the servants announced the queen approaching.

"Make way for her royal majesty the queen!"

"You know, you can still make a break for it," Raditz suggested, imagining the storm of fury the queen will invoke at the mess her daughter has made of things.

Usagi whimpered and shook her head. "I can run, but I can't hide." She squeaked and stumbled behind Trunks in the case she would need a human shield.

End Flashback

Usagi sat alone in her chambers after her short music lesson. She had just bathed; her wet hair was pinned up and left to dry before her handmaidens could get to work primping it for the ball. She was allowed some privacy when the seamstress left from her final fitting.

She had begun opening her presents and reading all of the letters full of well wishes. Some were from dear friends and acquaintances, others from suitors. She read through all these compliments and poetics about her beauty, not feeling flattered or amused as she thought she would. Instead she glanced up at the empty armchair next to her bed and felt an overwhelming sadness swell up in her chest. She had just been wishing Trunks was sitting there so she could read them to him. They could both exchange laughs like they did every birthday since she was eighteen. But he wasn't there. And she was sure that this would be the last birthday she had as a free woman. This would be the year everything had to change.

By her next birthday she'd have the throne and a husband. So many gifts before her, yet she didn't have what she truly wanted. She wanted her best friend. Her heart ached because he was away, the person she simply couldn't do without.

She set the letters aside and hugged her knees while she sat on her bed. Tears fell from her eyes and she felt shaken on the inside. It was so scary, not knowing. All she had was an idea of what her likely future would be, and it wasn't one she wanted. She'd be married to a man of noble blood and they will rule together as king and queen of the Silver Kingdom. Her life would most likely not be her own. It will be spent dedicating it to her lord and country, just as her mother and grandmother did before her. Her time with Trunks will be taken from her and that was if she was still fortunate enough to keep him around. It was customary for the king to appoint his own guards to protect the queen if he should see fit.

She choked back on a sob and tightened her grip on her legs. 'Why did you have to go, Trunks? I need you.' Even if he was only going to be gone for four days, it felt like she would never see him again.

"And here I thought this was supposed to be a happy day."

She lifted her head up to wipe her eyes with her sleeve to notice someone walking in through her open door.

"All right, who do I have to hang by their toes in the courtyard?" Raditz scowled with the usual protective tone in his voice.

Usagi shook her head and sniffled. "I'm sorry, Rada. I just…" She covered her face and sobbed once more.

The black-haired guard's face softened and he took a seat on her bed, pulling her into an embrace. He had worked for the crown for so many years he considered the royal family his family. He watched over her mother when the king passed away and then watched over her the day she first opened her eyes. They might not have been blood yet Raditz was the closest thing to a father Usagi had. And nobody would be safe from him if they dared to make his precious princess cry.

"Did someone send you a vulgar letter?" He asked surveying the open notes spread on the other side of her bed.

She shook her head. "I-It's not that," she hiccupped against his tunic "I just want Trunks to be at the ball tonight."

"Ah, so you're missing your confidant." He nodded in understanding while rubbing her back to soothe her.

She nodded and tried to keep a handle on her crying. It was bad enough Raditz and Turles couldn't attend because they had to keep post in the dungeon and catacombs all night. Now all of this stress is piled on top.

"Here, your Uncle Turles got you this for your birthday." He said and pulled out a bottle of rum.

"He's always given me rum for my birthday." She rolled her eyes.

"Well, at least this time it'll come in handy. You're at an acceptable age to drink." He sighed and poured her a glass. "Happy birthday," he held up the glass to toast to her.

"Cheers, to the end of my life as I know it." She took the glass with a mumble and took a sip.

"It doesn't have to be, rabbit." He brushed her bangs back reassuringly.

"I don't want an arranged marriage." Usagi's lower lip quivered and she took another gulp.

"How about I have a talk with your mother, come to a sort of agreement?" He asked. "Surely it would be disastrous for all of us if our future queen was more than just a little miserable."

She had just finished her glass and widened her eyes at him. "You'd do that for me?"

"I think it's about time your mother became more flexible in matters of tradition and propriety." He smirked.

"Oh, thank you Rada!" She gushed and embraced him. "Hey, just what did you mean by more than a little miserable?" She asked after a pause.

"Nothing, now get ready for your ball and put on your best smile. The least you can do is to try and enjoy your extravagant birthday." He said and ruffled up her hair.

"Okay, I will." She giggled in response, feeling much better.

Raditz stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him. His hand wiped the sweat off his brow, feeling the familiar heat start to flood his face. The full moon was rising and fast.

Music flooded the ballroom and the grand hall, champagne being passed around in abundance. The floors were packed with guests, swishing to the rhythm. Princess Serenity stood up from her seat beside her mother's throne to stretch her legs and get some refreshment.

"Happy birthday, you highness," a familiar female voice breathed behind her.

She turned around and beamed. "Duchess Setsuna," she greeted the woman with a light embrace and kiss on the cheek.

"Your highness," a familiar man with black hair and blue eyes stepped up to them and handed the green-haired woman a glass of water.

"Prince Endymion, you're looking well. Congratulations on your first year wedding anniversary, you two!" She grinned.

"Well, we owe it all to you for playing matchmaker." Setsuna smiled.

"And that's why you're the first to know…we're expecting." Endymion leaned in and whispered.

Usagi covered her mouth to contain a gleeful squeal. "Oh my gods! That's wonderful news." She withheld the urge to bounce in place ecstatically. "Congratulations," she said, trying her best to compose her joy.

"Look at what you did; now she's going to burst at her own ball." Setsuna smiled while shaking her head at the overjoyed princess.

"Oh, I promise to keep it a secret if you're not going to announce it yet!" She whispered and cringed nervously.

"Don't worry; we just wanted to give you an early notification." Endymion winked, making the blonde deflate in relief.

"Great," the princess sighed and took a small sip of champagne.

"Your silent guard isn't here with you?" Setsuna asked as she looked around trying to find Trunks.

The princess's face softened as she felt a pang of sadness back in her chest. "No, he was summoned for a hunting party. He'll be back within a week."

"What a shame. I'm sure he wishes he could be here," Setsuna placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

The blonde gave her a raw look of gratitude and nodded in agreement.

"Well, I hope you don't mind me stealing my wife for a dance." Endymion smiled before leaning in to whisper. "There's a long line of suitors waiting to dance with you."

Princess Serenity looked over his shoulder to find him correct and groaned. "Guess we'll have to catch up another time." She said before they respectively bowed at her and walked off to the dance floor.

'Well, let the dancing begin.' She thought, biting her lip at all of the eligible bachelors waiting their turn with her.

Her eyes fell on the empty corner next to the marble column across the room and felt that sadness slowly return. She couldn't comprehend but she felt like she needed him, standing right there like he always had for the past few years.

Flashback

"You know, you're so stiff I would've mistaken you for a statue." The eighteen year old princess stepped up to her bodyguard with her hands on her hips.

Trunks merely glanced at her before shifting his eyes back to the rest of the room. He was putting his focus more on his job as usual.

Apparently she was having none of that and took him by the arm.

He flinched in surprise, "What are you-" he hissed.

"I think it's about time you let loose. You're at a ball not a wake. Now, dance with me." She said and walked him down to the dancefloor.

"I can't," he tried to gently pull his arm away from her.

"Nonsense, there's nothing in the rulebook about a guard dancing with the princess." She winked.

He shook his head, indicating that wasn't the issue. "I-I can't…" He murmured and looked down at his feet.

Usagi's brows shot up in realization. He never danced before? "Oh, that's all right. I'll teach you. It's not that hard." She said and rested her hand on his shoulder for reassurance.

He glanced up at her with a hint of flush on his cheeks, looking so nervous. It was the first time she had ever seen him like that.

"Just follow me, I'll start slow." She whispered gently while lowering the hand on his shoulder to grab his, placing it on her waist.

She took his other hand in hers and took the first few steps. He followed her lead as gracefully as he could.

"Am I doing it?" He asked gently.

"Well you haven't stepped on my feet yet, so it's safe to say you're a natural." She smiled up at him.

He cracked a small smile in response.

"Your hair is getting long." She smiled and brushed his bangs away from his eyes.

"I've been meaning to cut it," he breathed, feeling his blush spread to the tips of his ears.

"You should let it grow out. It looks better this way." She smiled as he twirled her around.

"You think so?" He blinked as she came back into his arms.

She nodded. "It makes you look like a heroic knight from a storybook," she giggled "Maybe it'll give you the courage to speak more."

He stared at her blankly, obviously not amused by that comment.

"Cat got your tongue again?" She winked before resting her head on his chest as they swayed.

"People are staring," he whispered.

"Last time I checked, your job was to watch me. So let them look and just keep dancing. That's an order." She smirked.

He nodded and she could feel his body begin to finally relax. He had been so tense before. She never noticed how nice he smelled. Then again this was the closest they had ever gotten when it came to physical contact. He had always kept his distance just as he would avoid talking to others. Trunks had hardly spoken more than 3 words at a time unless he was around her. He was so reserved, so unlike any other man she had met.

"Usagi…" Trunks whispered.

"Yes?" The princess murmured back, tranquil while taking in his warmth and alluring scent.

"The music stopped." Trunks cleared his throat.

End Flashback

"Princess, may I have this dance?" Usagi turned around to meet the mauve eyes of none other than Prince Diamond.

"Yes." She hesitantly held out her hand, letting him take it.

He smiled and pulled her closely against him, giving a new meaning to the phrase too close for comfort. She had never danced with Diamond before. In fact this was the closest she had ever gotten to him. Usually Trunks had been very overprotective whenever Diamond would be at a ball, making sure he kept his distance. When asked about it, Trunks said something along the lines of something being 'off' about him. Cryptic as it sounded, she never doubted Trunks's input. She would notice him going taut like an attack dog, ready to pounce.

Still, it wouldn't hurt to share a dance for a moment. She was in the safety of her own home and surrounded by people. What could go wrong?

"I'm so pleased to finally have the honor dancing with you, your highness." The crown prince of the Gem Kingdom smiled.

"The honor is mine. After all, almost a century long allegiance between our kingdoms is not something to take likely." She said, lightly clearing her throat. Every time she met his gaze was so disconcertingly uncomfortable, earning the same sensation one gets from dragging their nails down a blackboard.

"Indeed, I regret our kingdoms had never gone with the idea of a merger. It would have been reasonable for us to be betrothed after the war against Vegeta. Both our kingdoms prevailed even after taking such a heavy loss, your grandfather and both our fathers." His grip around her waist tightened.

Princess Serenity flinched, 'Merger…betrothal?'

"I don't wish to play games, Serenity. You are the loveliest creature I had ever set eyes on and my only wish is to make you my queen." He said and dipped her.

Her eyes widened at how forward he was being; now feeling more uneasy with each passing moment. When he pulled her back up he took her by the hand and the princess suddenly felt like a caged animal, being backed into a corner. Time seemed to move slower for her, the dread rose up inside of her the moment the prince opened his mouth to speak once more.

"Princess Serenity, you have my love and undying loyalty from this day to my last day. Will honor me with your hand in marriage?"

She froze in place upon hearing the proposal leave his lips. She contemplated fainting but without Raditz, Turles, or Trunks there was no guarantee she was going to be hoisted away from him. Her cerulean eyes looked toward the throne in horror to find her mother missing. Great, she was on her own for this one.

She took a deep shaky breath and spoke in the most regal tone she could muster. "That was such an astoundingly flattering marriage proposal, Prince Diamond. Forgive me. I am quite overwhelmed at the moment. Out of all the marriage proposals I received, this one left the most remarkable impression." She said modestly.

'That's right stroke his ego, then graciously let him down…' she thought.

"I hope you do understand that this is a very big decision for me. I cannot give you a straight answer right away. This affects the fate of both our kingdoms and I'm afraid I'll need time to consider my choice. I must put my duty before my heart." She offered a small smile yet internally screaming bloody murder.

"Of course, I wholeheartedly agree. I'm pleased I made a right choice picking you as my queen, such diplomacy. I'm sure you make your mother very proud. It would be selfish of me to expect an answer right away. Take all the time you need. Until then, enjoy your birthday." He smirked and kissed her hand.

"Thank you, I will." The crown princess smiled back before backing away.

She needed fresh air, quickly. Taking a turn and out the double doors to the courtyard, Usagi released a breath of air she didn't even know she had been holding. She clutched her chest and found herself panting, and then shaking.

'Shit, what am I going to do?' She thought, her lower lip quivering. How was she going to explain this situation to her mother? Was there any way out of this?

'Trunks, I need you.' She thought, on the verge of tears.

She let out a shaky gasp when she felt a cloak being draped over her shoulders. Her heart skipped a beat and her lips curled into a relieved smile. "I-I didn't think you'd make it." She said and slowly turned around.

"Sorry to disappoint you, princess." A strange man in a royal guard's uniform sneered before bringing a rag covered hand to her face.

Her screams were futile as they were muffled by the rag and each breath she drew, she breathed in something that smelled so foreign to her. The man and an accomplice restrained her as she tried to struggle, wrapping the cloak around her to keep her limbs from flailing wildly. It only lasted for a moment before her vision turned fuzzy from whatever was in that rag against her face.

AN: Bummer for you guys, its a cliffhanger muahahahaha!

Also I kinda borrowed the way Raditz and Turles are written by friend Megakat. She writes them so fun I just couldn't leave them out of the story. Raditz calls Usagi by her nickname or Rabbit when they're alone and she calls him Rada. Also I joke about Turles favoring rum since he's a space pirate in canon. That ship sails itself. LOL And for my friend Selene's sake, there's Yamcha getting kicked in the nuts. You're welcome.