Disclaimer: This story is in no way intended to infringe on any copyrights, It is a strictly a fan fiction. Dragon Ball, Dragonball Z, and Dragon Ball GT are owned/produced/merchandised by the following: TOEI Animation, Bird Studios, Akira Toriyama, Shonen Jump, Funimation, and others possibly not listed.

Warrior of Heart2
By The Fan Fiction Nymph

xxxxChapter 23xxxx
Long Awaited Party

xxx

It seemed like it took several days just to reach the next morning light for Rei. There was much to do, to get Drum ready for his sleep over with Trunks and for her to get ready for Bulma's party. Somehow though when she woke, she did not feel in the party kinda mood.

Rei had never used the front door to enter Capsule Corp before. It took her several moments to locate the doorbell and waited nervously for someone to let her in.

Fortunately it was Bunny Breifs who opened the door and she was always a pleasant companion – if not in her own world. Rei wondered for a moment if she should be concerned about leaving Drum in her care for the evening…then she realized that this poor woman would be chasing two small sayian children all night and Rei gave her a big hug instead.

"About time you get here!" Bulma scolded her as she entered her room. "I was just about to call you to make sure you were ok."

"Sorry to make you worry Bulma."

"I have just the thing to cheer you up." She said her eyes excited as she pulled Rei into the large walk in closet.

"Wow!" Rei gasped as she looked at it on the hanger, a mask hanging next to it. The black dress matched her hair and fell to her toes in length. Two straps crossed over her chest making an X. White accents lined the edges of each cut where the dress ended and where it crossed. When she put it on she found it was more revealing than she had first realized. It had long slits on both side that started high on her legs. Metal clasps kept them tight over the top to keep it from being too showy. Much surprised at Bulma – Rei felt it had taste.

She slipped the simple half face mask over her head and smiled at Bulma. "It is perfect!"

"Of course it is – I designed it." She chuckled as she squeezed into her own outfit – a match of what Rei wore only reversed in color. White where Rei's was black. Bulma's face mask was black as well and wore lipstick to match. Rei choose a light red for herself and had been about to search the closet for shoes when Bulma pulled her out a pair of boots that went up to her calves. Oh yeah, now she was ready. But ready for what?

X

The ballroom had been decorated not jungle this time, but ocean. Sand swept over the hardwood flooring, making dancing difficult in areas. The band played as a projection of the ocean lapped against the shore behind them. In the distance Rei swore that she could really hear the ocean…Small pools of waist deep water were set up throughout the room, protected by rocks and ferns. It was all so well thought out and beautiful. A few palm trees were spaced out here and there creating the illusion of a beach.

So many unusual costumes! A penguin, a chef, a leopard with a very sexy set of spots…A police man and a witch. A giant baby and a lobster – what strange costumes, but it all just added to the environment.

The beat of the music pulled at her and she found herself on the dance floor amidst a flurry of costumes. Rei let herself be swept up with them in the moment and the music fill her mind. It felt so refreshing to be free of all her cares – if only for a short time.

The mood of the music shifted and Rei found herself solo on a partner filled floor – it would have to be a waltz. Sighing she turned to leave, when a hand pressed against her shoulder. Rei found herself dancing with a cowboy – complete with spurs. Yamcha smiled at her pleased to have so easily won her attention.

"Its been a while Rei." He said softly. Rei nodded in response, trying to choose the best way to escape – was it really necessary to play two slow songs in a row? "You look radiant." He flattered her as she twirled in his arms. Would it ruin her night to fake spraining her ankle?

"Thank you Yamcha…you look very…much like a cowboy." She stuttered as something green caught the corner of her eye. She twisted to see what it had been and was disappointed to find it was a peacock mask.

"Are you looking for someone?" He said uncomfortably.

"I- yes. I'm sorry will you excuse me?" Rei said seizing her chance. She made her way over to the bar and sat for a while nursing a drink and watching the crowd for familiar faces.

A nun joined her soon after she sat down and to her amusement she recognized her as a Chi-Chi. Nothing says sacrilege like a pregnant nun. God she loved Bulma.

"Hey Chi-Chi!" She said suppressing a laugh. "How are you doing?"

"A virgin bloody Mary – extra olives!" She growled to the bartender before turning to Rei. "I am a wreck! Gohan has so much studying to catch up on and the price of tuition has gone up AGAIN! What am I going to do? Ugh. To say nothing about the nausea and the aches…"

"Oh Hun, I'm sorry. Here let me." Rei turned and gave Chi-Chi a little shoulder massage to try and get to enjoy herself. She knew full well the pains of pregnancy. It was hard to imagine going though that again – while chasing Drum.

"Ahhh. Thanks Rei." Chi-Chi began to relax slowly. "How is your night going? Ever hear from?"

"-Nope. No sign of 'im yet either." She said quietly trying not to ruin her mood.

"How do you plan to find him amongst all this?" Chi-Chi motioned to the growing party.

"I- I hadn't really expected too." Rei admitted. Chi-Chi pulled away and turned to face her with big eyes.

"What! You idiot! Bulma called in a favor from me to get that slug here!"

"What? He is here! Really?"

"Ugh. Yes. I had Gohan bring him and Dende. They should be around somewhere…"

"What- What are they wearing?"

"Uh-uh." Said Bulma teasing her as she sat down on the other side of Rei. "I didn't go to all this trouble to just hand him over to you. I'm afraid you are going to have to figure it out yourself." A wicked smile spread across her face.

"Bulma!" Rei sighed. "Fine. But I don't appreciate being a source of your amusement."

"Come on Rei – I put good money on you that you figure it out Before midnight." Chi-Chi urged.

"You made a bet against me!" Rei turned to Bulma accusing.

"I just thought I would play the odds…Oh and just as a hint – ya know because I'm a big softie – the height trick wont work this time. I made sure to invite several basketball teams just to trip you up."

"Go for the Ears!" Chi-Chi leaned in whispering to Rei before getting up and excusing herself to the restroom.

"Good Luck Rei. You do want to see Gohan go to collage don't you?" Bulma winked before disappearing into the dance floor. As though Rei needed further motivation. She surveyed the room several more times before admitting that it was getting her no where but dizzy.

A samurai surprised her seeming to have appeared out of nowhere. Rei laughed when he handed her a drink.

"I should have known Bulma would find the perfect outfit to show off your hair." She smiled sipping the drink.

"Yeah… I think my mom got a little carried away." Trunks said blushing.

"No your mom Definitely got carried away! – but looks like it was worth it."

"Hehehe. It will be worth it that damn Namek of you'res-"

"-Does Everyone know about that? Tell me honestly – are you in the poll too?"

"…Yeah." He blushed bashfully. "Peer-pressure I guess…sorry Rei."

"Ugh. Fine – but let me tell you a little secret…" she leaned in and whispered in his ear. "When you go back to your time – remember – finding your mate is half the fun."

Rei ran her finger over the edge of her wine glass and smiled at the low hum it made. It was then that the idea struck her. Ears indeed.

"What are you going to say to him once you find him?"

"…I don't have anything left to say to him. He knows exactly how I feel…Do you think he will recognize me in this costume?"

Trunks looked her over for a minute his blush deepening. "I think it's pretty obvious I'm afraid."

"Ugh. I bet Bulma did that on purpose too…"

"I know you aren't talking anymore, but Vegeta told me to tell you something…" Trunks paused for a minute leaning in close. "He said to tell you to 'Think like a Hunter'. I know its not much help but-"

"-No. That's perfect. Thanks Trunks!" Rei said as she disappeared into the crowd with a wave.

She was relived to find the balcony deserted as the party was young yet. Rei tried several different angles to see where she could best view the whole room, it took some doing but standing on the railing looking in at a good angel – she could see everything but the bar.

It would have to do.

Rei picked up the wine flute and held it high in the air, dropping it above the cold cement far below. Faintly she heard a Ping as it shattered.

Towards the back of the room – on the second floor two heads turned in time with the Ping. So that is where she headed.

She studied him for a moment – and shook her head – his costume was bright colors with a white painted face and a large red smiled painted over his scowl. Go figure Bulma would make him a clown.

Having no avenue to begin a conversation with this man who had been tricked into coming here, she saw no way to continue with what she had planned. All she wanted was to touch him, but he couldn't even be in the same space with her… if only it were like their first meeting.

Memories of the last dance she had attended where they had been drawn to one another in a way that neither could seem to resist were conjured suddenly to the front of her mind. His hot breath on her neck, hands holding her tight moving down to her hips…a frustrated sigh escaped her lips as she shivered. How can he say he didn't feel it too?

She kept moving though the crowd so as not to attract his attention. Think like a Hunter. Think like a Hunter – draw out your prey. Rei smiled – yes she had found him and he was vulnerable with Gohan and Dende there.

Rei stood at the refreshment table for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. It seemed like an innocent enough place to loiter as any. The only downfall to her location was that she had to fend off the advances of other hunters… But a true hunter made their prey come to them. She would wait.

It did not take long for him to cross the room seeking a drink. The lights were enough to make anyone thirsty, combined with the accumulated body heat of the party - it was tropical. Rei smiled at Gohan as he approached her.

"Hi Rei." Gohan said in his usual cheerful manner as he got a large cool drink out of the ice. Tonight he was dressed as a young RobinHood complete with tights and a bow strapped to his back.

"Hello Gohan. How are you enjoying the party?"

"Oh Yeah – Dende and I are having a great time! I love all the costumes! – What are you supposed to be Rei?"

"Ya know Gohan… I have no idea. I just do what Bulma tells me to – I hear it will help my life expectancy around here." She joked.

"Ha Ha. Yeah – it's best not to argue with her. Well see ya-" Gohan was about to leave when she interrupted him. No way was she letting her best bet escape so easily.

"-Not so fast. Gohan, don't you know anything about Earth dance protocols?"

"-Um…I guess not. I – I've never been to a dance before. Did I do something wrong?"

"Almost." Rei winked. "But don't worry – I'll help you out. Now it is a custom on Earth – I've been told anyways – that when you share a drink at a party it is customary to then dance with that person."

"Oh I see!" He smiled innocently and she took his hands and lead him to the dance floor. Rei did not have to have eyes on the back of her head to know that a certain someone was watching them closely.

The timing was perfect, the base beat died down as they took the floor and a slow song began giving Rei the chance to instruct Gohan in the ways of dancing. Gohan was not as quite as ignorant as she had expected – he was clumsy at first but surprisingly Chi-Chi had taken the time to include it in his studies.

Rei smiled as she twirled enjoying herself. Gohan was wonderful company and the lighthearted spirit of their dancing was refreshing to her. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Piccolo had come to stand next to the dance floor with Dende – dressed as Friar Tuck no less – in tow. Just as she had hopped – her prey had come to her.

They danced though several pulse pounding songs, laughing and having a good time. When the next slow song started up – Rei was shocked at how close Gohan pulled her. Perhaps she thought to herself, I have underestimated Gohan… Briefly she wondered if Gohan had been filled in on this little escapade and that his schooling relied on it – it was a much more comforting thought than several others that passed though her mind.

"You really are a wonderful dancer Gohan."

"Thanks Rei! My mom says it is important for a scholar to also be a gentleman." He blushed slightly as he smiled.

"Gohan." A familiar voiced called from behind as the dance ended.

"Hi Piccolo!"

"That looked like a lot of fun!" Dende said excitedly coming up to stand next to Gohan. "Will you teach me to do that?"

"Sure! Its really pretty easy once you know what to do." Gohan said as he began to explain the sequence of steps that you use and when to use them.

"Rei." It was more of a growl than a word. "Leave him be."

"Why? He is the strongest person on Earth, a Sayian and – He likes me." She smiled wickedly. "I'll leave him alone - as much as he wants me too. After all, I would hate to incur Chi-Chi's wrath."

"It is not Chi-Chi you should be worried about."

"Are you threatening me Namek?"

"Perhaps."

"-Because… I'm not scared of you. There is nothing you can do to me that you haven't already."

"Hey Rei," Gohan interrupted completely wrapped up in his and Dende's conversation. "Would you dance with me again? –I want to show Dende something."

"I'd love too." Rei said as he guided her back to the dance floor.

They had just started dancing when suddenly Piccolo grabbed Rei by the arm and pulled her from the dance floor. "I need to speak with Rei." He nodded to Gohan who stared after them.

Piccolo brought Rei to an empty hallway outside of the ballroom. Through the big doors she couldn't even hear the din of the party anymore. Her heart pounded and part of her begged silently that he was going to say the things she so longed to hear. Rei knew that just up those stairs ahead of them and down another corridor was her old room – it hurt to be so close to such vibrant memories. So close…

"I know what you are trying to do - and it won't work." Piccolo said scowling at her.

"And what am I trying to do?" Rei watched him carefully.

"…Don't manipulate Gohan. That is a warning."

"What right do you have to stop me? Gohan seemed to be enjoying himself."

Piccolo's face turned dark and unfamiliar to her. With a single movement he shattered the wall behind her and shattered the banister. Debri from the wall and banister filled the air and for a moment Rei was unaware that the warmth she felt was her own blood. He had been sloppy and the debris had cut her in numerous places.

Still startled by this behavior, Rei barely heard him say, "You've been warned." as he left. She couldn't tell which stung worse – the wounds or her heart.

People had started gathering in the hallway to see what the racket had been. Rei took it as her cue to leave.

She stopped in to wish Drum a good night before going home. Rei hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead despite his squirming.

X

Rei had never come home to an empty house before. It was a strange feeling topping off her already dismal state of mind.

She had failed.

Despite all of the help from her friends and the perfect opportunity – she had failed. It hurt to know that but a nagging part of her insisted that she was getting though to him. He hadn't said it, but he was hurt to see her pursue someone else. Rei smiled bitterly as she stepped into her steaming shower – the battle was over but she would fight the war another day. It was not over. She would never let it be over.

xxxEnd Chapterxxx

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