I've been doing a 100 theme art challenge at Deviant Art for a while now, and I decided to start doing a 100 theme fan fiction challenge here to help me get over my writer's block. They aren't going to be in any specific order, and anyone who would like the themes I'm using, feel free to drop me a line and let me know. There may also be several themes involved in one story, aka chapters of the same story following a different theme for each chapter. Should be fun. At least it'll be interesting.
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Nozomi looked up from her book, watching Piccolo open his eyes, and she turned her head at another set of knocks. Getting up to answer the door, dozens of questions ran rampant through her mind. No one ever visited, and if they did, they gave plenty of prior notice. Opening the door, she looked curiously at the officially dressed man standing on the other side that bowed low. She bowed back, watching him reach into a sleeve and pull out a scroll, handing it to her with another bow.
"His royal highness, Yon Tao, king of the Eastern kingdom, would like an audience with you," the herald said in a slightly squeaky voice, "Word has reached him of your many achievements, and he requested your presence at his upcoming birthday celebration."
She had looked at the royal seal and had opened the scroll as he talked, her eyes narrowing slightly as a coppery smell emanated along with the smell of the ink, but she nodded. It wouldn't hurt after all; the boy king was turning 15, and there was a lot to celebrate since the world had been restored since the catastrophic events following Buu's arrival and defeat, "I'll be there on the appointed date."
"The king will be very pleased," the man said, bowing low again.
She bowed to dismiss him, and closed the door, holding the re-rolled scroll under her nose, her eyes narrowing again.
"Something wrong?" Piccolo asked, watching her look at him and smile.
"No. I was just thinking of what to wear," she said, looking him over, "Though you'll need more help with that than I will."
He frowned at her, "Who said I was going on this little journey?"
She smirked, leaning up so that their lips almost touched, "I did."
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They waited while the palace gates opened up, seeing two long rows of armored guards lined up on both sides of the path leading to the royal procession seated in front the palace's main entrance. Nozomi was suddenly glad she had worn her gi as the guard saluted them. Piccolo raised a brow as they began walking, two mounted guards riding on either side of the human wall and out of the gates before they closed. Movement to her left caught her attention, and she turned her head, seeing a figure clad in black, hooded robes was matching them step for step behind the guards.
She raised a brow as the hood turned, and saw a pale, mask-like face for an instant before the figure stopped . They reached the steps and began climbing them, stopping when they stood about ten feet before the king and could go no further. Nozomi bowed, surprised when Piccolo did as well, albeit a bit stiffly.
No words were said for a long moment, until a courtesan stepped forward and held out her hand. She reached into her sleeve and handed over her invitation, fighting a sneeze at the heavily-powdered woman's equally heavy perfume. The scroll was handed to the king, who looked at it with boredom before passing it on.
"So you're Nozomi Sensono," he said, looking over her and Piccolo's plain attire, "For some reason I figured you'd look different."
She raised a brow, "You asked for the presence of a warrior highness, not a member of royalty."
There were a few startled gasps, and Piccolo bit the inside of his cheek; leave it to Nozomi to be forward with everyone.
"True," Tao replied, looking her over again, taking in her visible figure and face, "Though I will say I haven't seen another warrior that could be considered as beautiful."
"A natural accident, I assure you," she replied dryly, "If my attire bothers you, I can attempt to accommodate you."
"No need. Someone will show you to your room,. I hope you will find your stay here acceptable," the king said, smiling at her.
She knew he was talking down to her then, and she frowned, "I'm sure."
"Will your . . . Bodyguard be staying with you?" he asked, looking at Piccolo.
"He's not my bodyguard, and yes," she said, not going any further with the explanation.
"Very well," he said, waving a hand, "Shosho, take them to their quarters. I will expect to see you again at my table tonight."
She bowed again and followed the woman she guessed was 'Shosho', looking back and seeing the robed figure kneeling at the king's side.
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I know it's short, but it's late and I'm tired, and I'm over my writer's block for the moment, so I'm going to attempt to finish another chapter of DBI.