Disclaimer: I don't own the DBZ character contained within.
AN: Hey guys. Welcome to my new story. When You Least Expect was an extremely difficult story for me to write and would never have been finished if it had not been for the pressure from readers such as the wonderful hippiechic. For this reason it is my least favorite of my stories. However, from the many email requests I have recieved for a sequel to this story since I began writing again, it is clear that many of you really liked the tale despite its many flaws in my personal opinion. Because I'd do just about anything to make you guys happy, I decided to post this new story. Anyway, let me know what you think. Enjoy.
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She frowned at the clipboard in her hand as busy servants milled about her. Lifting the top page, she studied the sheet below. "This is unacceptable, Lana. Not only are they the wrong type of linens but the wrong amount as well. I expect you to rectify this and report back to me."
The pale blue woman bowed her head at the disapproving remarks. "Of course, mistress. It will be my top priority."
Nodding her acknowledgment, the lovely blond glanced at the grandfather clock down the hall. "I will be at the loading docks should you need me."
Handing the bowing woman the clipboard in her hand, Juuhachigou proceeded through the palace until she found her way to the bustling loading docks. She briefly scanned the area and shortly found her dark haired twin over seeing the loading of a particularly large ship. She smiled softly as she slowly made her way across the crowded bay. It was amazing how just seeing him filled her heart with joy even after all these years.
It had been six years since Prince Vegeta had killed the cruel creature known as Cell. The very day of the accession of the prince, he, the Princess Bulma, and the Lords Kakarot and Radditz of Isles had rushed home to stop the wedding of the Lady ChiChi. After the adventure they had all just been through, Juuhachigou, or Eighteen as she was known to her friends, had not been up to another. So she had chosen to remain on the planet Mongo. The planet's ruler, Lord Krillin, had happily given her a position in the royal palace as a maid.
In the six years that passed, Eighteen had worked her way up, eventually gaining her current position in the royal court as the Palace Administrator. It was the first time since she was sold as a slave to a noble family on planet Vegeta as a child that she could say she was happy. It was not just her career success that caused this happiness however. In addition to climbing the social ladder, these years had been spent helping Seventeen regain the lost portions of their shared past. As a slave under the vile Frieza, Seventeen had been brainwashed and could remember only his lost sister. Since being reunited, the twins had slowly worked to rebuild the bond they had as children. To say they were successful at this was an understatement.
Stopping beside him, she questioned, "Leaving without saying good-bye?"
Seventeen finished signing the clipboard in his hands. "I knew you'd come," he said simply. Handing the clipboard back to the orange young man beside him he returned his attention to the loading of the trading vessel. Seventeen also had obtained high rank on Mongo as Commerce Administrator as well as Head of the World Army. Since Mongo was a peaceful world, he spent more energy on commerce than the army.
"Why are you going on this trip anyway? I thought trade voyages bored you senseless," she commented.
"I grow restless. I need some time away from the planet but worry not. I'll be back in just under a week," he said offhandedly.
She nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "When you return we shall dine together. It has been over a week since we've done so."
He glanced at her for the first time since she approached. She gave him a small smile and he returned it. "Very well."
The orange boy from earlier stepped before Seventeen and bowed. "The ship is ready to depart, sir."
"Fine, we will leave immediately." Turning to his sister, he clasped her elbow before placing a kiss on her cheek. "I must go. Try and stay out of trouble."
"I will," she said as she watched him board the ship. She waved and then stayed to watch as the ship took off, its destination being the ports of the many trade partners of Mongo.
Sighing, she turned to return to the palace. She hoped Seventeen would return sooner than planned. He was her only true friend on this planet and she always missed him when his duties took him away.
She pushed the sentimental thoughts from her mind as she entered the palace. She had duties of her own to attend to. She mentally ran over the tasks as she made her way through the lavish corridors of the royal palace, the only sound being the swaying of her long skirts as she walked. The palace of Mongo was a grand and ornate place as well as a new building when compared to the other governmental facilities. It was built in honor of the planet's greatest ruler in modern history.
Twenty-two years ago, Mongo was a war torn world as rival factions vied for power after the previous king died without proclaiming an heir. In the mist of the chaos, a wealthy farmer, no more than eighteen years of age, arose as head of a ragtag army of peasants. After a year of intense fighting, Krillin of the Marnes put down all those who opposed him. He and his advisors spent the next four years reorganizing the government. They established an elected executive who would rule for life unless removed from power by the will of the people. In addition, a series of reforms followed that allowed the inhabitants of Mongo peace for the first time in decades. In the fourth year of his triumph, Krillin of the Marnes was proclaimed the first lifetime ruler under this new system. Now known as Lord Krillin the Bald, Lord of all Mongo, he ruled in peace ever since.
It was in this peaceful world in which Eighteen and Seventeen now made their lives. It was the first peace either had known since their planet had been purged by Frieza. Their lives were completely changed. They owed alot to the kindness of Lord Krillin.
Eighteen finally reached her office. Opening the large oak door, she entered the room and took a seat at the desk. She spent the next twenty minutes going over the house hold budget. Completing a series of invoices, she remained focused until there was a soft knock at her door. "Come in," she called as she continued calculating the numbers in her head.
As the door opened a beautiful brunette with brilliant green eyes entered the room. "Good evening, Eighteen."
"Good evening, Nissa," she responded as she continued working through the ledgers. "Can I help you?"
"I wanted to come by and let you know that the state dinner will be three weeks from tomorrow. The palace will need to be prepared to accommodate at least one hundred and fifty dignitaries," the Global Affairs Administrator stated.
Eighteen paused then and reached for her calender. After marking the date she looked up to give the higher ranking woman a smile. "I'll take care of it."
"Good," Nissa replied, returning the woman's smile. "Did Seventeen get off okay?" she continued more conversationally.
"Yes, he did. He's planning to have his deliveries completed by the end of the week."
"Excellent. Well, I'll leave you to your work," Nissa said.
Eighteen was all ready returning her attention to her books when Nissa paused and turned back to her. "Oh, one more thing."
Eighteen glanced up at her. "Yes?"
"Our lord requests your presence at dinner tonight."
"Oh?" Eighteen asked, obviously surprised.
Nissa's smile turned secretive as she nodded. "He wants to speak with you."
Eighteen frowned. "And I'm guessing you know what about..."
Nissa shook her head, still smiling. "I haven't the slightest idea." When the blond looked as if she would challenge that claim, Nissa continued out the door. "You'll be dining in an hour. Have a good night."
Eighteen continued to frown as she watched the door close behind the other woman. She couldn't imagine what Lord Krillin would have to speak with her about. Since she worked in the palace she had barely even spoken to the man in a casual sense. True, she worked closely with him on the household budget but something so intimate as dinner had never passed between them.
"Perhaps he wants to discuss the state dinner," she murmured to the empty room. Deciding it was no use worrying about it until dinner, she got back to her books.
She worked for a half hour before putting away her documents. Once her desk was in order she left her office and headed to the staff apartments in the east wing of the palace. She entered her quarters and quickly changed into an appropriate dinner gown. After smoothing her icy blue gown down, she checked the time. She only had fifteen minutes. "Damn," she muttered.
Rushing from the room with as much grace as possible, she followed the corridors until she reached the kitchen. The staff was buzzing about only pausing as they passed her, each bowing in acknowledgment of her rank. She nodded in response to their respectful mutterings. She stopped beside the head chef at the large stove in the center of the room. "I do not have much time, Mayah."
"Of course, mistress," the tall yellow skinned man with a long black ponytail answered. He stepped aside allowing her to stand before the pot he'd been slaving over. He handed her a spoon to sample the cuisine.
She dipped the spoon and tasted the soup. "Not enough salt. Now, the next one," she ordered. Mayah preceded to present her with each dish to be served that evening, taking in her comments on each.
"There are slight problems but very well done, Mayah," she said after she had completed the taste tests.
"Thank you, mistress," he answered, bowing before her.
With a final nod, she left the kitchen for the dining room nearby. She entered the dining hall just as the clock struck seven. The lord of the manor had yet to arrive so she stood at attention near the table.
It was another five minutes before the doors on the other side of the hall opened and the Executive Guard entered. They stood at attention on either side of the door as the pint size ruler entered the room. His face immediately lit once he saw her and he quickly made his way across to her.
"Juuhachigou! I am so happy you could make it!" he greeted her.
She bowed. "It wouldn't have been fit for me not to make it."
His smile remained in place. "Well, I know you're busy so thank you just the same."
She nodded as she stood. She noted, not for the first time, how odd it was that he was ruler of this world and yet he seemed so nervous around her.
He stood, watching her for another minute. When she raised an inquiring eyebrow, he reddened in embarrassment. "I'm sorry. You must think I'm really weird. Shall we sit?" As he spoke, he hurried over to her chair and pulled it out.
Eighteen was more than a little surprised by the unconventional courtesy but took her seat anyway. As he walked back to his chair, she motioned to a servant boy standing by the wall. "Orion, we are ready to be served."
He bowed and left the room to alert the chef. Only moments passed before their meal was served. Once all the dishes were placed in the center of the table, a servant at each end of the table began serving them.
"Be sure to try the Ariel Kidney," Krillin said conversationally. "They're excellent."
She nodded simply in response.
There was no other conversation as they began their meal. Eating in silence was in no way uncomfortable for Eighteen. When she was assigned companion to Prince Vegeta, her most common task was to have a thirty minute dinner once a week with him in which no conversation took place. Since that time all her meals were taken alone or with Seventeen, who was no more inclined towards conversation than the Prince.
Her current companion could not claim the same ease with the silence, however. He attempted to break the barrier between them. "So I am told Seventeen left on his trade mission today."
"Yes, he did," she replied as she cut into her meat.
Krillin cleared his throat. "He's- uh- a good man. That brother of yours, I mean."
"Yes, he is," she responded in the same tone.
Krillin's smile turned slightly hopeless as he watched her practically ignore him. "Are you always so sullen?"
She looked at him then. "Sullen?"
He cleared his throat nervously under her sharp, questioning gaze. "I'm sorry. Geez, that was rude. What I meant was I hope I'm not boring you..."
"Of course not, sire," she answered in the same flat tone she'd been using all night.
"Please, can we drop the 'sire' stuff? I hate all that stuffy formal nonsense. Just Krillin will work," he smiled.
"Okay," she affirmed hestiantly.
"Good," he said. His throat seemed clogged again so he reached for his glass.
Eighteen reached for her own wine as she spoke. "So I assume you invited me here to discuss the state dinner."
Krillin frowned over the rim of his glass. "State dinner?"
"Yes. Nissa just confirmed the date with me and I intend to start on the preparations tomorrow. Everything will be ready, if that was your concern," she spoke confidently.
"Oh. Well, I'm not worried. I know you'll do a great job," Krillin responded. "And that's not what I invited you here for."
Eighteen frowned. "Then why did you?"
"Oh, um, well," he paused to cough. "This is kind of difficult to get into." He looked up at her and upon seeing her look of confusion he took a deep breath to start over. "Are you involved with anyone?" he asked in a rush.
"Involved?" This was getting more confusing each time he spoke.
"Oh darn! That's not what I meant to say at all. I'm really botching this up!" he exclaimed.
"Sir- I mean, Krillin. Why don't you just spit out what you want to say?" She was starting to get annoyed by his stumbling.
Deciding to take her advice, he paused taking a deep breath. "Okay. You see, I'm not getting any younger. I've done great things in my life but, well, the one thing I've always wanted was a family." Choosing to rush forward instead of pausing to gauge her reaction, he continued. "I know we don't know each other well but I do know that I really respect how you've risen over your past. You're strong and intelligent. Not to mention how beautiful you are and well...that's...um, that's it..."
Krillin chanced looking at her at that point. As expected, she looked completely stunned.
"Are you asking for my hand?" Even her naturally calm voice cracked in astonishment.
"Um, yeah," he blushed. "I mean you don't have to say yes. It's just-"
"I don't think you understand what you're asking," she interrupted. "You are the chief executive of this world. I am a former slave and whore."
He shook his head. "So? I was a farmer before the revolution. I don't care about your past. And I know we don't know each other well but we wouldn't be the first couple not to. I think we could have a go at it."
She was quiet a moment. "Your advisors will not approve."
"None of them have such great lineages that they can complain." He gave her another smile. "So are you involved with someone?"
She studied him a few moments before slowly shaking her head.
"Well, that's a good start," he chuckled nervously. "Do you think maybe you could give me a shot? The pre-marital ceremonies take at least a month and in that time we could get to know each other and if you change your mind we'll call it off immediately-" he continued to ramble.
"I'll do it," she said softly.
"-I promise that if you decide to call it off I'll take all the blame onto my-" Krillin blinked as her words registered. "You- did you say-"
"I'll do it," she confirmed.
He looked truly shocked for a moment before his whole face lit up. "Really?! Oh Eighteen this is wonderful! I promise I'll make you happy!"
She nodded with only a slight smile. As Krillin excitedly waved over one of the boys for champagne to celebrate, Eighteen looked down at her plate.
Her smile disappeared.
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I have big plans for this tale so I hope it comes along better than the last one. You guys let me know what you think of my start. Thanks for reading.