AN: Okay, I'm back. My four review were enough motivation for a noob, like me, to continue. Thank you very much guys. So, without further ado… read and REVIEW!

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragonball Z or its characters… don't sue me.

Chapter 2 (Time to Get Out)

After becoming of age, Bulma had to choose a career path. Yes, even princesses had to work. She decided to join the army. Not the conventional decision, since most of her sisters chose a career that would keep them close to the palace –like science and craft-making. Bulma's choice landed her in the soldier's barracks. An environment completely opposite to what she had grown up in. No one kissing your tail –everyone treating you as an equal –if not inferior. It was a tough adjustment, but also the most fun she had ever had.

She had always been in awe, watching her guards spar and train in the palace training facilities. She loved the annual Warrior Games that the royal family always attended, in which many of the soldiers competed to show off their power, skill, battle cunning. She had, after becoming a soldier herself, competed in said Games every cycle, working her way to the top ranks until she earned the honorific title 'Bull Shark' when winning her first Games a few cycles prior. The name had been attributed to her aggression, unpredictability and refusal to quit even when staring failure in the face. She had yet to be bested. Bulma knew she would miss her home, her city, that she had passionately fought to protect for many years, but the adventurous young mermaid within her simply would not let herself be turned into the Council's puppet. Leaving was her only option. She was a free spirit –always have been, always will be, and right at that moment, there were new horizons waiting for her.

Bulma considered seeking refuge in one of their allied cities, but decided against it. She wouldn't be able to conceal her identity. They would come for her. The Council was as delusional as her twin, they would not rest until her tail was on their throne. Going into enemy territory was out of the question as well and that left one option that had Bulma feeling giddy and petrified in the same instant: the surface.

Land.

A taboo for Mer-creatures everywhere; but a possibility only for the Mammalian Merclan. The Eel- and Cephalopod-Merclans could not survive on the surface. They did not have dual-functional lungs like the Bulma's Merclan had, only the Mer-mammals had the capability to breath surface air.

Yet, there was cause for hesitation; Bulma had heard many horror stories of what the Land dwellers, the two-legged ones, did to their kind. It is all mythological though, she reasoned, since she had yet to meet the Mer-mammal mad enough to venture anywhere near The Reef, let alone Land… well, except the priests devoted to the Guardian on The Reef -they lived there...

Who was to say that she wouldn't be leaving one cage for another? 'Was it worth the risk?' she doubted.

Her hesitation lasted only a moment before her warrior-code kicked in, reprimanding her for her cowardice. 'Bulma the Bull shark will not be hampered by the fear of rumors and myths!' she chastised, 'Besides, I have to survive the journey before attempting to survive the destination.'

This thought brought to mind the other major obstacle to a successful escape.

The journey to the surface is rumored to be even more perilous than Land itself. Besides the fact that one has to swim through an intricate underwater labyrinth of twists, turns and tight squeezes, which is all but impossible to navigate if one did not have a copy of the well guarded map kept in the Queen's treasury –and only the aforesaid priests had those; the path to the surface is also said to be guarded by a large serpent-like water dragon called the Imoogi. Most of these stories though, are of the type you tell to scare children into staying away and are not really based on facts. Some though, were usually true in some sense. Whether the legend of the Guardian Dragon is true or not remains to be seen.

According to their legends, the Imoogi was created by the Ocean God, Neptune, and was commissioned to only let ocean animals pass through from the human world to the Mer-world and back. Any human or Mer-creature that was found in his domain was eaten. Apparently –this protects Mer-world from the humans, of whom it is said would destroy her world just as they are destroying their own.

Bulma's world was completely isolated from the surface –the human world. The only exception being one specific area – an enormous air pocket located at the bottom of a deep cavern. It filters in the only sunlight that their world ever receives, beaming it down from cracks and fissures in a thick rock-dome overhead. A territory unclaimed by all and highly respected and revered by every one of the many subspecies of Mer-creatures. It is said that in those shallow waters, marine life of all different types cohabit peacefully. It lay partly on an oceanic-, partly on a continental plate and sported the most beautiful and liveliest of reefs. 'The Reef' was a hub that connected all sea creatures: it had various tunnels –big and small –that lead down to each Merclan's deep-sea territory. There were many ways to reach it, but also many ways to get hopelessly lost and die while attempting to reach it. The map Bulma was now plotting on stealing was thus her only assurance of ever finding it. 'I would also need Marron's priestess garb' she added as an afterthought , already thinking of some twisted story she would spin the Imoogi-worshipping priests if they happened to catch her invading what they would probably see as sacred waters .

As for actually reaching the surface…

It is a known fact that The Reef also had one massive tunnel, twice the circumference of a Blue Whale, that lead to the surface –to her freedom –The Serpent's Pass. No Mer-creature would dare venture there for fear of being eaten alive by the Guardian and Protector of Mer-world: the Imoogi. Bulma, though, is not your average Mermaid. To the Mermaid-warrior-princess, her freedom was worth more than her life, and if a mermaid eating Dragon Guardian was what she had to pass to gain it –she would by all means do just that.

Bulma wasted no time in preparation for her escape. She quickly donned her armor, which successfully concealed her (now) almost bare chest. And swam to grab her most precious of possessions: her trident. A soldier's trident is the key to unlocking and channeling their life energy. With it she could fire powerful blasts of devastating or invigorating energy that could either kill her enemies or re-energize her allies. Its trio of sharp blades also made it perfect for hunting and close combat. As Captain of the Royal Guard, she was also one of the few who could use her trident to manipulate the flow of water around her into raging torrents or violent cyclones. Her trident was like an extension of her own body, of a much higher quality than a common soldier's, it stood about a tail and a half in length (AN: A tail is a unit I made up, it's roughly 6 feet long) and was made purely of silver. She sheathed it neatly by twisting a ring just below its head and watched in slide into a compact quarter-tailed rod before clipping it to the holster on her side.

Bulma threw all the other necessities into a average sized sling bag: some vanity products (that a Mermaid simply cannot do without), a stolen priestess robe and its matching accessories, along with a small amount of food and money. She quickly braided her long teal tresses and pinned it into a tight bun, then grabbed a plain looking long hooded cloak and made off for the Queen's treasury. A wily escape plan already churning in her mind.

'The Queen wishes for me to retrieve one of her treasures for my sister's coming of age celebration tomorrow.' She stated boldly, upon reaching the guarded doors. It was a risk, if Marron had already reached the Council then the whole Royal Guard would have known by now and would have moved to apprehend her. Especially if her twin informed them of her escape plans. It was a calculated risk though, since she was almost certain she could have easily subdued the two soldiers floating before her. As for her excuse to enter the Royal Treasury in the first place –she was simply and very cleverly manipulating her circumstances to suit her end. It is common knowledge that her mother, the Queen, chose an item out of her treasury for each of her daughters' coming of age gifts, her own had been a beautiful pearl and sapphire headdress with the biggest gem designed to dangle tastefully on her forehead. Bulma was currently dressed in her everyday Royal Guard ensemble, she had stashed her hooded cloak in one of the rooms on her way to the Treasury –her overall appearance should have warranted no suspicion. The two guards posted at the treasury door thus had no hesitation in allowing her access.

Bulma quickly found what she was looking for: a large brown-cover book that lay closed on a podium in the middle of the room. This ancient book held the histories and myths of her people and carefully documented bloodline of her family. This was the book she was seeking, yet could not access. It stood heavily shielded by a transparent energy field, the energy is supplied by the Queen herself as was their tradition for centuries. Luckily, each queen had The Book copied for the general use and instruction of each generation of royal offspring so that their heritage would not fade away. The copy, Bulma knew, would be in the secret (to all but royals) library in the far right corner of the room and after quick search in the miniature library she finally had what she was searching for.

The mermaid took a quick glance around, making sure that no one was in her immediate vicinity before quickly tearing the map from its place. After a bit of curious skimming, she gathered the page about the legendary Imoogi too, rolling it together and stashing it in her bag. She bid a quick goodbye to the guards at the door upon exiting and swiftly swam on toward the next phase of her plan: the servant's quarters.

As Captain of the Royal Guard, Bulma lived in the palace and when swimming through the palace halls, one was either on duty –where in Bulma's case, she would be fully armed like as she was, or one would be on leisure time: No armor no trident and wearing the finest of her precious-stoned accessories. Naturally, Bulma had grown up being spoiled rotten, as was expected. She was constantly showered with the most expensive and beautiful jewelry accessories and other vanity products. She had even had her bellybutton, nose and ears pierced as was the custom among the Queen's many daughters. From headdresses and hair-accessories, necklaces, earrings, nose-rings, belly-rings, belly-chains, bracelets and rings; to finely woven cloaks and embroider veils and scarves. Breeding mermaids, which made up 30% of the female population, would wear intricate breast-covering and decorations made up of shells and precious metals. Outside the palace, the common folk would usually accessorize with things handmade or made up of much less expensive materials, it is rare when one would see a Mermaid not wearing any accessories –common or noble. Bulma's conscious decision to wear armor in stead of jewelry assured less attention from the media if she was to leave the palace gates, and thus – less speculation about her inevitable departure from the city.

After setting down her cloak and sling bag, Bulma concealed herself bedside the entrance of the servant's quarters lowering her life energy until her bio-luminescent features emitted a less noticeable glow. Bulma's race lived in waters hidden deep inside a labyrinth of underwater caves. Her world was completely devoid of sunlight, and the only immediate light to be found in the that dense darkness came from her their own bodies. The external sources of light that illuminated their surroundings were organic lanterns made up of captured light-emitting deep-sea creatures. These creatures were easily attainable. They were bred or captured wild on a daily basis. As Bulma hid next to the door of the servant's quarters, she made sure to keep her glow was lower than that of the nearest lantern –a skill no Mer-mammal but the most accomplished of warriors could achieve.

Bulma's city was situated deeper than many marine animals would travel, mainly for the access of bio-luminescent creatures that lit up her world, but also for the its naturally fortified location. The strategic benefit of living somewhere that prevented large-scale attacks from enemy clans, Bulma guessed, could also have played a vital roll in the choosing her city's location, since it is a benefit that Bulma had taken full advantage of when strategising battles.

Right then, a servant exited the room, before she could swim too far Bulma caught her arm. The girl started, dropping the tray she was carrying. It floated down to land noiselessly on the stoned palace floor. The mermaid swiveled and her eyes widened when she realized who had stopped her. Bulma could pick up the ill-concealed fear and wonder, along with many other mixed emotions the mermaid before her felt in that moment. Bulma quickly reassured the girl, since fear was fast overwhelming all her other emotions, the longer she held on to the girl's arm. Understandable, since Bulma probably looked very intimidating in that moment in her complete suit of armor and trident.

'What's your name girl?' she asked.

'Orcana, my Lady.' she replied submissively.

'Well, Orcana, I need you to do me a favor.' Once again her surprise was evident on her face.

'Anything, my Lady.' Bulma rolled her eyes.

'Stop with this my Lady nonsense, girl. From henceforth you shall refer to me by the title Princess Bull Shark.' Bulma said sharply. The surprised girl immediately started apologizing profusely. Bulma watched in amusement for a while until she couldn't help but letting out a good natured chuckle.

'I'm just messing with you, Orcana.' She said with a bright smile and the shocked mermaid froze, before Bulma felt her relax a bit and a tiny smile lit up her face. Good, Bulma thought, nervousness equals sloppiness and Bulma couldn't afford any slip-ups.

'Alright, Orcana. I need you to go to the store and get something for me.' She addressed the servant. Orcana nodded. 'Now this is very important,' she continued 'I want you to get a breast-piece for me.' As Bulma made her request the girl frowned in confusion, as expected. Time to work her magic, Bulma thought.

'Don't look at me like that girl, this is for a gift. If I told you to whom is intended, well –I'd have to kill you since that is classified information.' The girl nodded sternly, and Bulma discerned that the servant had a fine sense of duty, which would be perfect for what she would request next. Bulma smiled in a reassuring manner before adding, 'I'm just jesting, girl… though it is supposed to be a surprise.' Bulma made as if she was carefully contemplating something, then went on: 'Oh, what the kelp. I might as well tell you, but you must promise not to inform anyone of the reason behind this commission.' The servants eyes shone with reverence, and she nodded enthusiastically. Bulma had her just where she wanted her, she obviously feels too honored to compromise on her promise. Going in for the kill: 'One of my young sisters, Marina, has confided in me that she is shedding her chest scales. She is going to announce her fertility on her coming of age celebration tomorrow I want to surprise her with a beautiful breast-cover… I would go myself, but being as renowned as I am, If I were to leave this palace dressed in anything but my armor the media would be on my tail like sharks who have smelt blood. Nothing I do would escape their notice and my surprise would deflate like a defeated blowfish. As you can see, I'm in quite a dilemma.'

'You can count on me, my Lady.' Orcana piped up confidently.

'Good. Now, I'm entrusting you with this bag. It has sufficient funds within.' she said, handing the servant her sling, 'Also, wear this.' She gave her the cloak to put on. I will meet you on the other side of the market, where I will retrieve my items. As the girl swam off, Bulma could but hope that the Council would be having a busy day and that her twin would have some trouble reaching them, but as her sister is a priestess and thus holds a respected position in court, she wouldn't bet on it.

AN: My first update: Yay! Love it? Hate it? Tell me about it by clicking 'Review'. Forgive any grammatical and spelling errors –I still don't have a Beta. Also –don't fret fellow V/B fans–I'll be introducing our favorite grumpy prince in the next chapter.