Bulma and I get busy making supper while Gohan does some studying. Vegeta is supervising the young boy, answering the few questions the half Saiyan has when getting confused.
"So, I thought we could start tomorrow with some shopping at my favorite business attire store, then to the jewelers'. No friend of mine will be looking frumpy while I'm around…" Bulma has that look of determination in her eye that you just don't interfere with, but… I'm not exactly a complete push over.
"Slow down, Bulma! How in the world do you expect me to pay you back? I am still trying to figure out how to pay you back for yesterday." I say with a chuckle, even though worry is growing around my heart.
Bulma walks to me and whispers, "Is it true Goku will die in this one? And won't let us wish him back?" Her bright, blue eyes bore into my own.
"Gohan, will you please go into another room and keep studying?" Gohan silently rises from his seat and walks out the door to another room. Vegeta left to be sure Gohan was far enough away. I sigh. This wasn't going to be easy to explain. "In the show, he'll realize too late that this victory will be too much for Gohan's heart and try to instant transmission the enemy away from the earth, only to die before being able to get away safely. This final android will remain. Only then will Gohan finally listen and get the job done." I look toward the door where the young boy disappeared through. "He's already seen more violence than Goku did at his age. That's why Prince Vegeta has taken over Gohan's training. Mainly to teach through his own mistakes of these kind of decisions. Why playing with your enemy is never the way to go."
Vegeta reenters the kitchen and joins our conversation. "I thought I was to help the brat to control his Saiyan bloodlust and battle rage?"
"To a point, yes, but look at him. Think about the few battles you have seen him battle in. Does he seem to enjoy inflicting harm on any other opponent like you or Goku? He hates hurting anything or anyone. He doesn't exactly hide it. He has too pure of a heart. He doesn't understand the bigger picture of these battles. That's why I chose you. No one else will be able to lay it out straight for him and be brutally honest with him. Teach him about your people. You know Goku and Gohan have already proven to be more than third class and only YOU can change it. You know they have earned it and you should be proud enough of THEM to WANT to change it."
"They certainly have earned an Elite title, but I'm unaware of any ceremony or what official action must be taken. I was taken by Frieza before I got to learn any royal ceremonies and their purposes. I only learned battle strategy and the like. I'm sure a council would have been involved."
"But Dad said it's just us, so as our Prince, couldn't you just hold a ceremony up at Kami's Lookout with just our warriors and their families?" The three adults spin in shock as the young boy spoke from the doorway. "You'd have the Guardian of Earth to witness and either agree or disagree with your decision."
Vegeta's mouth drops. "Gohan, you are a wise boy. You would have made an excellent advisor of the Saiyan Royal Court. Perhaps once all this android business is finished, we may discuss an official ceremony."
Supper is brought out by service bots and set on the long table. As we begin to eat, Bulma looks to me, "As long as that little boy doesn't lose his father and I don't lose my first true friend, then you will NEVER have to repay me for anything I pay for, for you. Goku is worth more to me than anyone in my life." She whispers.
"Deal. What else do you want to do tomorrow?" I chuckle. I think I could allow her idea of a payment.
"Well, after the jeweler's, we'll go to the shoe store, the department store for make-up, and finish at the spa for some much needed relaxation. Maybe even squeeze in the bridal shop and try on dresses for fun. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?"
"Wow that sounds like a girl's dream day. Are you sure I deserve all of this?" I look down at my plate, wondering if I may be doing more harm than good. Suddenly, Vegeta grabs my hand.
"You deserve far more as far as I am concerned. Why are you not allowing yourself to accept how grateful we all are for your help to ensure our victory? Let us thank you as we can. You deserve this. All of it." The prince's kind words surprise me. I never thought he, of all people, would say this to me.
"Aunt Alicia, you've done more for Mr. Tien, Mr. Piccolo, Mr. Vegeta, and me than most people would, like, ever. You made us a team. Before we were just individual fighters on the same side. We couldn't do this without you." Gohan shyly adds.
I've never thought about that. I finish eating in silence. I've changed this world so much. Is this why I'm here? To bring all these people closer? I guess I'll never know for sure. Guess I could learn to let these insecurities go. "Well, I'm going to bed. Bulma and I have a long day ahead of us. Good night." I ruffle Gohan's hair and head upstairs.
I crawl into bed, praying to Kami for some sort of clarity for my anxious mind and conflicted heart. The bed is soft beneath me. I quickly fall asleep.
The next morning comes soon enough and I jump into the shower and rapidly bathe. Wrapping my towel around me, and I walk into the gigantic walk-in closet. Bulma has everything paired and organized. Shirts were hanging up high with pants, skirts, and shoes galore.
I pull a navy blue tank with lacy trim down the bust, grey long sleeve cardigan, hip hugger jeans with bejeweled back pockets. I wrap a textured grey scarf around my neck. I throw the matching bracelets and grey boots on.
I throw some hair styling paste in my now super short hair. My make-up is simple, making my bright green eyes pop. Looking into the full-length mirror, I twist and turn. I try to find any flaws.
A sudden, soft knock on my door causes me to flinch. After a deep, calming breath, "Come in!"
Gohan opens the door and enters with his head hanging low. The young half-Saiyan lifts his head slowly. "Wow," He whispers in awe. "Aunt Alicia, you look super pretty today."
"Thank you, sweetie. Did you need me for something?" I giggle. The young boy was being more timid than usual, must be something he considers big.
"First off, breakfast is ready and umm… I was wondering if… Umm… Can I come with you and Aunt Bulma?" Gohan quickly looks back down at his feet. Goofy kid.
"I'm sorry, Gohan. If this wasn't an all-day plan, I'd say yes, but you need to start training with Prince Vegeta. Are you nervous about working with him?" I inquire.
"A little. He says that he's going to be extra tough on me and I don't know if he's just going to pound me into the ground simply because he doesn't like my daddy. How do I know if I can trust him to just not kill me?" Tears begin to run down his cheeks.
I pull Gohan to my bed and gather the uneasy boy into my arms. "I know Vegeta is an awfully intimidating guy, but, honey, he's definitely not going to kill you. He is not going to kill your daddy, either. Do you want me to talk to him? See what he has planned for today?" I kiss his forehead.
"Uh huh." He slides off my lap and takes my hand. We walk hand in hand down the stairs into the dining room where Bulma, Vegeta, Dr. and Mrs. Briefs are waiting for us.
"Sorry for our tardiness, but Gohan here needed some reassurances about training. Speaking of, Prince Vegeta, would you mind being easy with Gohan for a few weeks, just until he gets use to you." I wave my hand from floor to his shoulder. "He's unsure on if he can trust you not to kill him."
Vegeta was taken aback by my blunt statement. "Why in the galaxy would I want to murder one of the last of my kind?" The Saiyan prince rises from his seat and kneels to the same level as his youngest subject. "Gohan, your father has put you in my care for the time being. I promise that I'm not exactly the same heartless man I was when we first met. I had much time to think in space. I do not wish to think of you, not your father, as dispensable. Killing Nappa was, for lack of better terms, poor judgement on my part. Though, I do not believe I would have been able to control him once Frieza was defeated. Now he would have been actively trying to kill you and your father. Simply for being stronger than himself. You have my word that, even though I am going to push you, I will not break you. Besides, for a while, I just want to see your form first."
I smile to Gohan. "See? Nothing to worry about. Now let's eat and get to work." I ruffle his short, black hair. I sit down and bow my head towards each of the Briefs. The service bot sets a plate down at my place. My first bite melts in my mouth. Slowing down my chewing, I close my eyes and savor the taste. "You should hurry and eat, Gohan. This is delicious, Mrs. Briefs."
"Aren't you a darling!? Thank you!" Bunny giggles with a sugary sweet smile.
"Mr. Vegeta, doesn't Aunt Alicia look extra pretty today?" I think Gohan is trying to strike up a conversation with the prince. I giggle. This is just too adorable. How will the prince respond?
"Gohan, as much as I appreciate all your compliments, if you want to ask Prince Vegeta something, just ask him, buddy. Don't beat around the bush, it'll only cause grief and confusion."
"First of all, he's correct. You look very befitting for your outing today." Vegeta turns to Gohan. "Secondly, she's right as well. Brat you have no reason to fear me. I'm only trying to help you improve in a way that your father and the Namek cannot. You have potential to be a far stronger, smarter warrior than Kakarot. Possibly even myself." The prince resumes his meal.
The half-Saiyan boy stares wide-eyed and mouth gaping at his prince. It's kind of adorable on the boy. I nudge him with my elbow. "Close your mouth, Gohan." I notice Bulma has finished her breakfast and is currently waiting on me. "I'm sorry Bulma, I'll hurry." I begin to chow down just a little faster on my own.
As I finish, my blue haired friend rises from her seat and gestures me to come on. I rush to follow her out the side door to an awaiting limo. Two days in a row of riding in one. I'm never going to get use to this. Nor do I really want to.
She rattles off a store name that drips with the word, 'expensive.' She smiles at me while I give her a very uneasy one back. "I know you are unsure of the whole white collar way of life, but I promise after today and these next few weeks leading up to the charity ball, we can loosen the reigns a bit. I'll need you to help me organize it, and we've got to get gowns, because simple dresses won't do at all…"
"Wait, wait a minute… Charity Ball? I don't know the first thing about organizing a function of that magnitude. I suppose you're going to want me to bring a date."
"Well, of course! I just need you to help me book the caterers, entertainment, and decorating committees. Then confirm with them later on. I'm sure you can handle it better than anyone else in the company. Oh, look! We're here. Let's get some office suits and dresses for work." She stops me with a critical eye. "Hmmm… I bet you could pull off just about any color. Bitch."
"I can't help it!" I laugh. "Let's do this!" Bulma links her arm in mine and we march through the doors. Instantly, there are two sales associates to greet us.
"Michael, this is my father's newest assistant, Alicia. She needs a full business wardrobe. No price limit, I'm paying for it all. Capsule Corporation standards. If she looks pretty in it, ring it up. Am I clear?"
"Crystal clear, Ms. Briefs. Would you ladies like a beverage?" The tall, dark haired man replies.
"Tea for me, please. Alicia?"
I'm looking around and see so many colors and patterns lining the walls. There three sets of angles mirrors next to fitting rooms. I'm awestruck to say the least. "Whoa…"
An elbow to my side brings me back to my body. I look to my right to find the culprit of Bulma Briefs smiling with absolute glee. "What?"
"Michael asked if you want a beverage while we are here." She giggles at me.
"I'm sorry, Michael. I'm impressed by your shop. I'd like a water, please." I timidly address the tall man in his fine suit.
"Of course, Madam. Victoria and I will be right back with you beverages. Please sit in the first fitting area and we can get started on finding the Capsule Corporation you." Michael and Victoria scurry off to retrieve the drinks. Almost too enthusiastically, if you ask me.
"Come on, this way. You are in the most capable, professional stylists ever!" Bulma drags me up the aisle and stands me between the grouping of three mirrors. She swiftly turns and sits in one of the accompanying chairs. "Trust me! You're going to be the second best dressed person in the building!"
"Bulma, are you sure this is necessary? I don't know how I'll get used to dressing like you. And I haven't worn heels in years!"
"You bet it's necessary! Alicia, I have more money than I know what to do with. Please, let me do something for you that you deserve."
Before I could protest further, Michael returns with our beverages and some small cookies. He circles me with crucial, careful eyes. Once… Twice… Three times he paces around me before nodding and scurrying away to the task of dressing me to the blue haired heiress' expectations.
Shortly after he retreats, Victoria saunters up to me and locks eye contact. She presses the button on her radio and says, "Green. Her eyes are green." She leaves as quickly as she came. I look questioningly at Bulma.
"He's making sure your eyes don't clash with the outfits he is choosing. Nothing to worry about." Bulma reassures me. "For as much as I pay these people, they will not make you look anything less than stunning. Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I promise."
"Remind me to tell you why I don't like that word." As I finish, Michael quickly marches towards me with two outfits, one in each hand. He briskly motions to the fitting room merely a few feet from me. I glance to the blunette and follow him in the room, where he proceeds to hang one outfit on one hook and the other on another. "I hope these are copasetic to your and Ms. Briefs wants." He disappears immediately into the store in search of more clothes for me.
I reach for the first outfit and eye it critically. The skirt was below the knee in length. It was a darker beige color, but not dark enough to be considered brown. It has dark blue, almost navy, flowers and petals dancing along the right thigh. The top is the same shade of blue as the flowers with a wraparound style and a neckline that stops just high enough for just enough cleavage. I slip the outfit on, along with the matching blue heels and take a deep breath. Looking at myself in the smaller mirror. It's now or never. "Hey, Bulma! You still out there?"
"Sure am! Are you finally ready to show me the first outfit? Get your ass out here!" Bulma calls back, laughing. Clearly, someone is enjoying themselves.
Unlocking the door, I heave a sigh to calm my nerves. I can't believe I'm doing this. How do I always get into friendships where I end up trying on clothes that are way out of my comfort zone? "Here I come! Don't you dare laugh at me!" I slowly turn the knob. I step over to the short pedestal and step up with the help of Michael. He now has a whole rack worth of outfits, just waiting for me to try them on. I hear Bulma gasp. My head snaps up to look into the three way mirror. "What? I look stupid, don't I?"
"No, no! Far from stupid. You look brilliant and sexy, even. That's a dangerous combination in the scientific invention business world." Bulma turns to Michael and Victoria. "If the rest of the outfits are as critically pieced together as this one is, we'll take them all. Add jewelry to each outfit, bag them in garment bags and send them to Capsule Corporation, today. If they are delivered before 6:00 PM, I'll have $3,000 for each of you." She turns back to me. "Go change back into your clothes, time to look for gowns for the charity ball."
I smile in relief as I rush back into the changing room. I strip down and redress as fast as I can. As I exit the dressing room, Bulma grabs my hand and yanks me out of the store, into the awaiting limo. She spouts off another expensive sounding store and we're off to the races.
Admittedly, I'm a little more excited to be playing dress-up with these gowns. To feel like a beautiful princess for once, isn't that every girls' dream? To be dressed like their favorite fairytale princess? It was mine until junior high, when I figured out it'd never happen. I never felt pretty enough for a guy's attention.
While lost in my thoughts, we had arrived to the dress shop. Instantly Bulma took charge, barking, "Fredrick! Winston!" Both men rush forward and bow to the technology heiress and myself.
"Gentleman, we have two months until the Capsule Corporation Annual Charity Ball and we are in need of gowns for the occasion. I expect absolute perfection."
"Of course, Ms. Bulma! We have been anticipating your arrival and have a selection aside for you."
"Excellent! This is my friend, Alicia. She'll need a dress as well, same expectations. She's Daddy's new assistant."
"Certainly! Right this way, Ms. Alicia." Fredrick motions me towards an array of gowns of various styles and colors. "Hmm… I think I have just the one. I'll be right back." He swiftly darts away a couple aisles down.
Alone with my thoughts, I thumb through the rack, eying each unique, exquisite gown. Some with beading embroidered into the bust and down the skirts. So many different shades of color, except white. Those are in a section to themselves. White, wedding gowns. Suddenly, Fredrick returns with a long, slinky black gown with black beading covering the entirety of the dress. The man escorts me to the fitting room to try it on.
I lock the door and place the hanger on the hook. I begin to strip for the seemingly umpteenth time today and a very high thigh slit catches my eye. Hell, no. I don't do that high, but I'll still try it on, just to explain that. This one ain't happening.
Opening the door after donning said gown, I find Fredrick waiting with a crucial eye. "Hmm… What do you think, Ms. Alicia?"
"Do you want an honest answer?" I quirk an eyebrow.
"Always. How would I be able to better understand what you like? If you don't like what I choose for you, then I'm not doing my job very well."
"Fair enough. I hate the high slit. It makes me feel a little exposed. Does that make sense?"
"Absolutely! Is the slit your only issue with this gown?"
"No, I'm not a fan of this style of beading, actually."
"I understand completely. Do you not like the idea of beading at all or just the camouflaged into the color?"
"The latter."
"How do you feel about the color of midnight blue?"
"One of my favorites."
"Perfect! I'll be right back." Fredrick runs off in order to retrieve whatever garment he now has in mind. Sooner than before, the man returns to me and displays the midnight blue dress with elegant beading patterns. I smile as I take it from him and enter the room. I swiftly and carefully remove the black dress from my body and pass it through the door to Fredrick. I slip into the new dress and eye myself in the mirror. The beading shimmers and accentuates my curves and for the first time in a long time, I feel like a bombshell knockout. I feel graceful, confident, and downright sexy.
I exit the room and see Fredrick and Bulma. "Well…? How do I look? Do I meet the Capsule Corporation expectation?"
"Alicia, you're lucky you are my friend, or else I'd feel threatened by your beauty in that gown. If you don't pick this dress, I'll make you regret it. So, have you thought about asking Tien to escort you to the ball? I'm thinking about asking Vegeta to be my date since Yamcha and I split."
"I haven't exactly had a chance to think about it. Especially since I just found out about it a couple hours ago, but I'm planning on asking him. Do you mind taking him to get a tuxedo to go with my dress, please? You can take payments out of my paycheck once I start working."
"Don't worry about it. I'm curious to see him in a tux, myself. Let's call up there tonight and make plans to the ball. Do you want to go with us to get his tuxedo?"
"No, thanks. My dress is going to be a surprise to him, it'd only be fair. Let me change and let's go get some lunch."
"Deal!" Bulma smiles at the idea of food.
Hours later, we return home with armloads of make-up, shoes, jewelry, and any other damned accessory Bulma deemed needed. Gohan runs out and grabs some bags. "Mr. Vegeta is watching the delivery people hang Auntie Alicia's new clothes up. Says there's too many strangers in the house for his liking."
"Oh, yeah? How was your first day training with Prince Vegeta? I'm surprised you're not in bed already." I chuckle. "Thank you so much for your help, sweetie."
"Mr. Vegeta and I were stopping for the day when these people showed up. And now you're home. Can we eat now, please?"
"Sure, kiddo. I'll set the bots to make us dinner. While we wait, why don't you call Tien?"
"Oh, alright…" I heave a sigh. "I'll call him." I shuffle over to the telephone and dial the number to Goku's capsule house.
After a couple of rings, I hear Goku's cheery voice on the other end. "Hello, Goku Son speaking."
"Hi, Goku. It's Alicia. Is Tien close by? I have a favor to ask him."
"Sure thing, but first, how was Gohan's first day with Vegeta?"
"Perfect from what I can tell. No medical bay yet. So that's a plus."
"Great! I was a little worried and distracted today. Here's Tien."
I hear the shuffling of the phone being shifted between the men. "Shut up, Goku. You're gonna pay for that… Hello?"
"Uh, hi, Tien."
"Hey, baby."
"Baby? No."
The three-eyed man chuckles. "Well, the guys keep telling me that I need to call you that or something like it now."
"No, not baby. Wait until we are official before worrying about pet names. But I do have a favor to ask you."
"Shoot."
"Would you be willing to accompanying me to the Capsule Corporation Charity Ball in about two months? Bulma's willing to pay for your tuxedo."
"Are you asking me to the Capsule Corporation prom?"
"Basically, yes. Please come with me. You're the only one I'd trust at a party and honestly I don't want to go with anyone else. Pretty please?"
"I'd be honored to escort you. When does Bulma want to go choose the monkey suit?"
"I believe tomorrow while the image of my gown is still fresh in her mind."
"Alright, I'll see you both in the morning. Good night."
"Thank you, Tien. Sweet dreams, hun." I could hear his blush through the phone.
No song this time around! I'm sorry the last part seemed rushed, but this chapter really felt like it was starting to drag and I didn't want to split it into two different chapters.
Thank you, Mr. Piccolo for helping me make some of the decisions with my indecisiveness. To clarify, if I can't decide between 2 characters or objects, such as the dresses, I ask him to pick one. He does and I take it from there and write. Thank you for supporting my overactive imagination. Love you!
Also, next chapter with be the ball and then we will do a time skip to the Cell Saga.
Please be kind to one another. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can change anyone's perception.