"Wahoo!!!" Cynde yelled driving 90 mph, her stereo full blast, "Born to be wild! I was born to be wild!"
~ I hope Chi-chi let's me keep the car! Even if it's only until I get outta this joint. ~ Cynde hoped.
Despite her speed, she arrives half an hour after the party started.
"Park it somewhere close chief." Cynde tossed the keys to the vale and pulled up her hood.
"Yes ma'am." The vale replied puzzled on how to drive.
Cynde took the keys, "Better yet, don't."
"Where is she?" Goten begins to get angry then lightens up and grabs the mike, "Attention ladies and gents! She has the voice of an angel, but looks so hot you'd think they were from he-heck! Eyes as beautiful and mysterious as the sea! Hair the color of… of… well it's brown! The drop dead gorgeous gal you've been waiting for… Cinderella!"
~ What a charming boy. Heck, a few years older I might've married him! ~ Cynde thought taking of her hood as a spotlight hit her, "Just breath." ~ Okay, what possessed me to say that? ~
As Cynde walked down the steps to introduce herself to the prince the spotlight followed and everyone moved from the way. Cynde looked down blushing, she might be a singer, but she hates extra attention. Everything faded though as she met eye to eye with Yamcha.
~ This girl, I feel as though I've met her somewhere before, but not like an acquaintance. I feel as though we have history together. ~ Yamcha thought kissing Cynde's hand as she bowed, "So you're the famous Cinderella the messenger has told everyone about."
Cynde stared at Yamcha and felt as though she would cry for some reason.
"What's wrong?" Yamcha asked concerned.
"Nothing, your majesty. 'Tis nothing." Cynde wiped her eyes.
"If it makes you feel any better your extremely more beautiful as I imagined you and much more beautiful then the messenger said you were." Yamcha flattered.
Cynde gave out a small giggle and the tears were gone, ~ That kid. I'm sure he'd give anything to go home right about now. ~
"Well, suppose I need to introduce myself." Yamcha said proud of getting a laugh out of Cynde.
"That isn't necessary your majesty." Cynde smiled, shaking her head.
"Nonsense. I am Prince Yamcha Charming."
Cynde tried not to laugh, but it was impossible.
"I know, I laugh at it all the time as well. For some odd reason I feel as though those two names just don't fit." Yamcha grinned then whispered to Cynde, "That's just between you and me."
"Of coarse, my lord." Cynde agreed. This was all a little role playing game to her.
Yamcha smiled, "I haven't prohibited anyone to do this yet, but you're different. You may refer to me by my first name… that is if you wish to do so."
Cynde bowed her head, "Thank you, your majesty. I realize what a honor this is for someone like me."
"Enough talk. Let's get dancing and let's start seeing some sparks fly, kay." Goten whispered as he started playing some real good dancing music.
"Care to dance?" Yamcha smiled holding his hand out.
"Love to." Cynde smiled back as she took his hand and they started to dance.
"Mother! That's Cinderella!" Jaunty whined.
"I know that! Stop pouting!" Bulma shouted.
"I'm not pouting!" Jaunty continued to complain, "That's my future husband she's dancing with!"
"Shut up, child! I know that! My eyes have not gone blind yet!" Bulma yelled, "Be patient."
************
"Okay, it's twelve fifteen people! We ran a little late from that last song, but that's okay cause now it's time for another slow dance! The last one for the night." Goten announced trying to sound like he enjoyed that.
"Excuse me, but would you like to dance, again?" Yamcha asked Cynde. Cynde turned around with a piece of pizza in her mouth, she quickly finished it.
"I'd love to, again. For the… I've lost track, but it's been a lot! You don't even need to ask!" She wiped her mouth.
They danced with all eyes on them, and yet, neither noticed.
~ I feel like I'm in a dream, so peaceful. For the first time in awhile, I truly feel shy, like when we first started out. It's scary in a way. You're whole life relived like a dream in a fairy tale. ~ Cynde thought, then wondered aloud, "Why is it I'm the only one you really dance with?"
"My heart leads me to you." Yamcha started, "It must be your radiance and the beauty that you have on the outside and within your heart… You're red, why?"
"It's nothing really," Cynde looked down, "it's just something that runs in my family. We *Ahem* turn red whenever we're embarrassed, flattered, or in love."
"I didn't mean to flatter you, to much, I'm just speaking to you through my heart." Yamcha touched her face and their eyes locked.
"I don't think that's quite it." Cynde touched the hand on her face and continued to look into Yamcha eyes, "I think… no I know… I'm in love."
"Then there's something I must tell you." Yamcha whispered.
"Yes?" Cynde replied.
"I l…" they were about to kiss as he spoke.
"Stop the music! Stop! We have a fraud among us!" Bulma interrupted Yamcha on the microphone. Goten tried to get it back, but she held him back with her hand on his forehead. The lights came on. Everyone looked at her.
"Yes! A fraud and it's…her!" Bulma shouted pointing to Cynde. Everyone stared at Cynde.
Cynde thought fast, "Who are you going to believe? Me or her?!"
Jaunty snatches Cynde's cloak.
"Look at me! Look at me! I'm Cinderella the servant girl!" Jaunty chanted dancing around with it on.
"You will regain your ground, child!" Yamcha shouted taking it back before Cynde could say anything. Jaunty froze.
"Child? I don't want to marry someone who thinks I'm a child! Mummy! I want to go home!" Jaunty wailed running out the castle.
"Are you okay?" Yamcha asked Cynde.
"Not, really." Cynde looked away, ~ I am a fraud. I could never be Cinderella! ~
"It's all right Cinderella. They're gone now." Yamcha said to her.
Cynde shook her head as she backed up and tried not to cry, "I've, I've gotta go."
Cynde ran out the castle.
"Wait! Cinderella come back!" Yamcha called.
"No she does not!" Goten stared at her running out the door and shouted on the microphone, "Don't forget the shoe Cynde!"
Cynde struggled to get the shoe off, but in the end just hopped in her car and zoomed off.
"Wait! Come back!" Yamcha ran out the doors.
"I'm sorry your majesty, we tried to close the gates but her… car was to fast." Trunks said.
"I didn't even get the chance to tell her that I… love her." Yamcha had said it! If only he had said it sooner for it was now 12:31.
"Don't worry Prince Charming. We'll find a way to bring her back!" Cody said bravely.
"Yeah, what would you guys say if I said I had a plan and I know were Cinderella lives?" Goten was the last to come out. All the guys looked at him.
"I'd say spill or I'll hang you." Yamcha replied.
"That's funny." Goten pretended to laugh.
"I'm serious." Yamcha eyed Goten.
Goten gulped and turned blue, "Okay here's the plan."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Aren't you coming with me Lady Videl, my dear, dear, sister?" Gohan tried to get Videl to come in the court room with him.
"Heck, no. I plan on living a long life. See what I'm doing?" Videl breathed, "This is me breathing. This is how I'll go in that room, but you can be sure that's not how I'll come out."
"Thank you for your kindness." Gohan exaggerated.
"Anytime." Videl answered as he went in.
"Pardon my intrusion, your highness, but I've got good news and bad news." Gohan trailed when it came to 'bad news'.
"Bad news first, right daddy?" Pan looked at Goku.
"Right." Goku nodded.
"I can't exactly do that you see…" Gohan looked around.
"When will you know when it's your cue?" Videl asked Goten.
"WHAT!?! FIND HER YOU FOOL!!!" They heard Goku shout.
"That's my cue." Goten answered going in.
"Smart for a messenger." Videl said to herself as she continued to guard the door.
"Don't worry Dad… King Dad… King Goku. We've got it covered, but we need some of your men." Goten walked in.
"Yes, of coarse! Anything to find my future daughter-in-law!" Goku nodded.
***************************
The Next Day.
"I can't believe you pulled that stunt! You blew all my chance of every getting married to the Prince! Cinder-face." Jaunty complained following Cynde as she cleaned.
"Oh goodie, you're learning how to call people names, now shut up and if you're not gonna clean, move!" Cynde shouted.
"You're just jealous because you know that if you hadn't played that trick the Prince would've fallen in love with me." Jaunty went on.
"Not likely, taking into a count he thinks you're a kid!" Cynde teased.
'Shut up! I'm sure if he really knew me, he wouldn't have said that!"
"I'm sure." Cynde said sarcastically, "I don't know what you're complaining about to me. It's your own fault you're jealous."
"Am, not!" Jaunty pouted.
"Are, too. You didn't want Yamcha until he checked me out." Cynde grinned evilly.
"He did no such thing! And even if he did, you left right after me. Why is that? Hmm?" Jaunty shot back.
"I don't wanna talk about it." Cynde looked away starting to dust.
"You know why?" Jaunty looked at Cynde evilly, "He never ever wanted to see your face again."
"That's… not… true." Cynde said slowly.
"My foot it's not!" Jaunty exclaimed pushing Cynde.
~ Regain yourself Cynde! Remember she's your daughter! Remember she's your daughter! ~ Cynde told herself as she held her hand back from strangling Jaunty. She finally controlled herself by thinking of a way to get Jaunty back, "Want me to let you in on a little secret of mine?"
"Well, okay. Just because I have nothing better to do." Jaunty crossed her arms and pretended not to care.
"Well, you see. I get married to the Prince no matter what you say. Not only in this lifetime, baby, but the next one after this. Hey, I might as well get hitched with him the next lifetime after that. We were meant for each other and there's nothing a wannabe English brat like you can stop it, either." Cynde whispered to Jaunty, "Oh and guess what. You might not be my kid in this lifetime, but it's a little different next time around."
"Mother!" Jaunty cried stomping out the door.
"That's my game, Cynde's the name." Cynde smirked looking at her nails and then looked out the window. Burma was playing with a butterfly. Just then Vegeta came and picked her up.
"Burma!" Cynde yelled stumbling out the door and begged, "Please Vegeta! Don't hurt her! She's just a baby!"
Vegeta and Burma stared at her, then Burma started to giggle. Cynde stared at them puzzled.
"No, no mama! Uncie Vegi, read to me now!" Burma showed Cynde the book.
"Please forgive me kind-hearted Cinderella. How I treated you is not my occupation." Vegeta bowed for forgiveness.
Cynde nodded still very confused. "Then, what is your job?"
"I am the gardener and when Burma plays in the garden, her care giver. I am truly sorry for what I did to you, Mademoiselle Bulma orders me to… I have no choice." Vegeta explained in his French accent. The one out of all her friends, Cynde just couldn't get used to.
"Oh." Cynde nodded, again. Understanding this time.
"Mother! Mother! The Prince is coming! He is coming!" They heard Jaunty yell as Cynde went back inside the house.
"Change of plans." Bulma grabbed Cynde and started dragging her through the house and Cynde couldn't stop her!
"Let go, witch!" Cynde tried and tried to fight back, but for some reason she could not, ~ The story! It's preventing me from fighting back! ~
Bulma tossed Cynde into a small bathroom and locked the door in a way that Cynde couldn't open it.
"Let me out! Let me out right now, Bulma Briefs! You think this'll stop me?! Well, guess what! YOU'RE WRONG!!! You'll have better luck just handing me over to the Prince! DO YOU HEAR ME!?!" Cynde shouted slamming her fists on the door. Bulma just ignored her and locked the doorway to the hallway that the bathroom was in. Just as she finished locking it the doorbell rang.
"Oh! Prince Charming! You've come to save me!" Jaunty smiled opening the door and making her voice sound like Cynde's.
"That was too easy." Trunks mumbled shaking his head.
"Oh! Cinderella! You are just as beautiful as the messenger explained you and so much more!" Gohan babbled taking Jaunty's hand. Jaunty looked at their hands then at Gohan's face and blushed.
"That's not Cinderella, dufus." Goten muttered rolling his eyes.
Gohan didn't seem to hear.
Jaunty tried her best to smile, "Why whatever do you me beloved messenger?"
"People, can be put under arrest for fraud, my lady." Yamcha looked at her narrow-eyed, not taking any of this funny.
Jaunty gulped and stopped smiling, "I am not Cinderella, she is my step sister. Please, don't throw me into jail. My mother put me up to it!" Jaunty begged, "I want to change and be a better person!"
Yamcha nodded, "Your wish is granted Lady Jaunty, but to change, you can't stay here."
"Yes your majesty." Jaunty nodded.
"May we come in, now?" Trunks asked.
"Yes, of coarse." Jaunty answered still holding Gohan's hand as their eyes met.
"Excuse me, my lady, but would you like to go on a walk with me?" Gohan asked, smiling.
"I'd enjoy that very much, thanks." Jaunty answered, still looking into Gohan's eyes as they started to walk.
"That numb skull is dating the enemy!" Goten exclaimed in disgust.
"No matter. He's doing the job you've told him to." Cody came in with Goten after he finished tying up the horses.
"Hello! Is anyone home?" Trunks called.
"Yes." Bulma replied kindly, coming out the kitchen, "Oh! Your majesty!"
"Is there any young ladies from the ball here?" Trunks asked.
"Me." Bulma answered.
"Excuse me ma'am, but he said young." Cody cut in.
Bulma winced at him, "My daughter and that's it."
"Are you sure ma'am?" Trunks started to act out his lines.
"Yes." Bulma nodded.
"Hark! I hear something! An angel's cry!" Cody acted out.
~ Does he have to be so dramatic? Even when he's not ego strong, he's trying to steal the show. ~ Goten eyed Cody.
"I don't hear anything, certainly not an angel!" Bulma inched her way to the hallway door.
"Liar!" Yamcha winced at her narrow-eyed
"Am not!"
"How dare you talk back to your Prince!" Trunks scolded Bulma.
"And how dare you lie!" Cody scolded as well.
"Don't try and say you're not either. You're blinking rapidly and starting to sweat!" Goten said, getting Bulma real nervous.
"Madam, unless you want to spend the last of your days in a jail cell, I suggest you open the door." Yamcha demanded.
"There's really nothing here!" Bulma opened the doors, 'See! 'Tis nothing!"
"Wait! I really hear something this time!" Cody exclaimed before Bulma slammed the doors shut.
"Me too!" Goten and Trunks said together.
Yamcha walked down the hall.
"Let me out! Please! Please, Bulma!" Cynde gave out her last plea. Her throat was sore, her hand were swelling, and her heart was… broken. ~ It's hopeless! Perhaps, my Prince Charming wasn't meant to be. ~
"It 'tis… gone." Yamcha stopped.
"See nothing!" Bulma boasted staring at Goten, Trunks, and Cody.
"I know I heard something!" Yamcha claimed.
"Yamcha?" Cynde whispered to herself then shouted, "Yamcha! Yamcha! I'm in here!"
"Cinderella?" Yamcha called through the door.
"Yamcha, you've come to save me!"
"Of coarse. I didn't get to tell you this last night, but I love you Cinderella. I have since I first laid eyes on you!"
Cynde started to cry, "Don't say that, please. I beg of you not to."
"It is true, though." Yamcha went on, "Are you okay?"
"You're here aren't you?" Cynde laughed through tears.
"Listen here, Prince Yamcha! No one is above the law, unless you are the King and Queen! Which you are not! I deserve, my privacy!" Bulma shouted.
"She refuses to open the door!" Cody eyed Bulma.
"Don't worry. This bad boy'll be a synch to knock down! Stand away from the door, Cynde!" Goten took a few steps back.
"But, Goten…" Cynde talked back.
"Stop worrying! I won't hurt myself!" Goten tried to jump kick the door down, but was flung backwards before he even touched it, "A tough one, eh? KAME… AHME…."
"Goten, wait! Will you listen?!" Cynde yelled standing on the toilet.
"AH!!!!" Goten tried to knock the door down with a blast, but (like what happened to him) the blast was flung back before it even touched the door. Everyone ducked as it blew a hole through the wall.
"My wall!" Bulma stared at the hole wide-eyed.
"What the heck?" Goten looked at it as well.
"It's the story! It refuses to let certain things happen!" Cynde explained, "let Prince Charming over there try!"
Yamcha nodded, took a step back and kicked the door down. He took Cynde's hand, "I have saved you fair maiden in distress."
Cynde looked at Yamcha, "So, you have."
They were just about to kiss when Bulma interrupted, yet again.
"No, no, no!" Bulma separated them, "Marry my daughter Jaunty! She looks exactly like Ella, except, younger, has class, a family, and dental insurance."
Cody cut in before anyone else could say anything, "It seems as though she has other plans in mind."
He handed a letter that was pinned to the front door to Trunks and Trunks started to read it, "Dear mother,
"I've had enough of you and your greedy, evil, bossy, wicked ways. When I grow-up I wish to marry because of love… not because of wealth. It was hard for me to see this because you have corrupted my mind.
"I have decided to run away with my true knight in shining armor, Sir Gohan. Hopefully, I will become a better person. Maybe even a lady of honor. All I know is, I've finally discovered love! The love I deserve!
"Cheerio, Jaunty
"PS The dental insurance is still mine!"
"Give that to me!" Bulma snatched the letter. After reading it she screamed, "How dare she make a jest of me! Go with you prince, but hear this… I'll be watching you!"
And with that Bulma stomped up the steps and slammed the door.
"She's just jealous!" Cynde hugged Yamcha.
"Psst." Goten tossed Yamcha a black box.
Yamcha kneeled on one knee, "Cinderella, will you marry me?"
Suspense ran through the room and Cynde looked away.
"Cinderella?" Yamcha looked at her nervously.
"You have been deceived. I can not marry you." Cynde walked out side and sat on the steps.
Yamcha's heart sank, Cody & Trunks were shocked, and Goten nearly died.
~ No! She can't do this to me! ~ Goten held his heart, feeling as though it just had an attack.
"But, but why?" Yamcha looked at her.
Cynde continued to look away, no longer was she happy to see him, "They were right, my step mother and step sister, I am a fraud. I am not Cinderella."
"Does that matter?" Yamcha smiled kneeling next to her, "I did not fall-in-love with Cinderella I fell in love with you…"
"Cynde." She replied.
"Cynde, even more becoming then Cinderella. How wants to marry a girl named after the ash from the fireplace, anyway?" Yamcha joked making Cynde laugh, "So I ask you again, Cynde, will you marry me."
"You don't even need to ask!" Cynde smiled, hugging Yamcha so tight he fell over into the grass.
"Wouldn't you like to see the ring, my lady?" Yamcha asked trying to breath.
"Ring?" Cynde let go.
"Yes." Yamcha opened the box and showed her a ring made of pure diamonds and jewels. Cynde stared at it admiringly, then looked at Yamcha. Once again they were about to kiss when, once again they were stopped.
"Wait! Now that you're engaged, you can't kiss or see each other until the wedding tomorrow!" Trunks had cut in.
"Oi." Cynde fell over face down in the grass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You may now kiss the bride." The priest announced. Finally, Yamcha and Cynde kissed for four long minutes, without any interruption.
"Aren't you supposed to through the boutique, my Queen?" Cody asked sitting on top of the buggy.
"Oh. Right!" Cynde throw the flowers behind her back and Bulma caught it. Vegeta and Bulma looked at each other, blushed, then quickly looked away.
"Better luck next time, my dear lady." Gohan looked at Jaunty.
Jaunty kissed him on the cheek, "Luck? Who needs luck, when I've got you?"
"Sorry, kiddo." Cynde looked up at Cody, "We're gonna skip the buggy ride. The tooth faerie left me more then 25 cents."
Yamcha and Cynde went behind the castle and there was Cynde's convertible, with Chi-chi standing next to it.
"I'd appreciate it next time if didn't confuse me with that cheep, two-faced tooth faerie! I didn't spend 150 years of my life in fairy god mother school, to be called a tooth faerie!" Chi-chi complained.
"Sorry." Cynde apologized.
"No problem. Now, I've gotta go. One of my clients think that he can fly off the empire state building. Oi, does it ever end?!" Chi-chi disappeared.
"Oh my god!!!" Cynde remembered, "We had to be in New York three days ago!"
"We did?" Yamcha asked puzzled.
"Yeah!" Cynde nodded, "I trust you know how to drive this."
"Yes, it's simple." Yamcha lied taking the keys.
"Better yet, don't." Cynde took the keys back.
They hopped into the car and drove off. Suddenly, the ground started to shake and a white light surrounded them. All was silent.
*************
"Cyn! You, Cynde! Get up! The plane is landing!" Yamcha tried to get Cynde up.
"Oh, Prince Charming. You've come to save me again." Cynde mumbled sleepily.
Yamcha raised one brow and smirked, "Whatever you say, Cynde-rella. You gotta buckle up though, unless you want to fly around the plane and break more then your glass slippers."
"They were platforms!" She complained then noticed her surroundings, "Where are we?"
"Last time I checked, on a plane. To New York. To visit your sister. In NYC." Yamcha explained slowly.
Burma woke up dazed after Cynde buckled her up.
"I had the weirdest dream that I was Cinderella." Cynde said.
"Me, too!" Goten exclaimed, "It felt so real."
"You dreamed, of being in Cinderella?" Trunks laughed.
"Shut up, Trunks." Goten said through gritted teeth.
"No, dream! 'Twas real!!!" Burma exclaimed.
"Then how come we don't remember?" Cody said, "You can't say the three of you had the same dream and I wasn't in it!"
"Please!" Jaunty shook her head, "If you were in a dream, it would be a nightmare!"
"What's that supposed'tah mean?" Cody looked at her.
"I mean what I said." Jaunty replied.
In no time everything was the way it was before Cynde, Goten, and Burma 'fell asleep'.
"Maybe it was just a dream, then again maybe not." Cynde said.
~ I hope Chi-chi let's me keep the car! Even if it's only until I get outta this joint. ~ Cynde hoped.
Despite her speed, she arrives half an hour after the party started.
"Park it somewhere close chief." Cynde tossed the keys to the vale and pulled up her hood.
"Yes ma'am." The vale replied puzzled on how to drive.
Cynde took the keys, "Better yet, don't."
"Where is she?" Goten begins to get angry then lightens up and grabs the mike, "Attention ladies and gents! She has the voice of an angel, but looks so hot you'd think they were from he-heck! Eyes as beautiful and mysterious as the sea! Hair the color of… of… well it's brown! The drop dead gorgeous gal you've been waiting for… Cinderella!"
~ What a charming boy. Heck, a few years older I might've married him! ~ Cynde thought taking of her hood as a spotlight hit her, "Just breath." ~ Okay, what possessed me to say that? ~
As Cynde walked down the steps to introduce herself to the prince the spotlight followed and everyone moved from the way. Cynde looked down blushing, she might be a singer, but she hates extra attention. Everything faded though as she met eye to eye with Yamcha.
~ This girl, I feel as though I've met her somewhere before, but not like an acquaintance. I feel as though we have history together. ~ Yamcha thought kissing Cynde's hand as she bowed, "So you're the famous Cinderella the messenger has told everyone about."
Cynde stared at Yamcha and felt as though she would cry for some reason.
"What's wrong?" Yamcha asked concerned.
"Nothing, your majesty. 'Tis nothing." Cynde wiped her eyes.
"If it makes you feel any better your extremely more beautiful as I imagined you and much more beautiful then the messenger said you were." Yamcha flattered.
Cynde gave out a small giggle and the tears were gone, ~ That kid. I'm sure he'd give anything to go home right about now. ~
"Well, suppose I need to introduce myself." Yamcha said proud of getting a laugh out of Cynde.
"That isn't necessary your majesty." Cynde smiled, shaking her head.
"Nonsense. I am Prince Yamcha Charming."
Cynde tried not to laugh, but it was impossible.
"I know, I laugh at it all the time as well. For some odd reason I feel as though those two names just don't fit." Yamcha grinned then whispered to Cynde, "That's just between you and me."
"Of coarse, my lord." Cynde agreed. This was all a little role playing game to her.
Yamcha smiled, "I haven't prohibited anyone to do this yet, but you're different. You may refer to me by my first name… that is if you wish to do so."
Cynde bowed her head, "Thank you, your majesty. I realize what a honor this is for someone like me."
"Enough talk. Let's get dancing and let's start seeing some sparks fly, kay." Goten whispered as he started playing some real good dancing music.
"Care to dance?" Yamcha smiled holding his hand out.
"Love to." Cynde smiled back as she took his hand and they started to dance.
"Mother! That's Cinderella!" Jaunty whined.
"I know that! Stop pouting!" Bulma shouted.
"I'm not pouting!" Jaunty continued to complain, "That's my future husband she's dancing with!"
"Shut up, child! I know that! My eyes have not gone blind yet!" Bulma yelled, "Be patient."
************
"Okay, it's twelve fifteen people! We ran a little late from that last song, but that's okay cause now it's time for another slow dance! The last one for the night." Goten announced trying to sound like he enjoyed that.
"Excuse me, but would you like to dance, again?" Yamcha asked Cynde. Cynde turned around with a piece of pizza in her mouth, she quickly finished it.
"I'd love to, again. For the… I've lost track, but it's been a lot! You don't even need to ask!" She wiped her mouth.
They danced with all eyes on them, and yet, neither noticed.
~ I feel like I'm in a dream, so peaceful. For the first time in awhile, I truly feel shy, like when we first started out. It's scary in a way. You're whole life relived like a dream in a fairy tale. ~ Cynde thought, then wondered aloud, "Why is it I'm the only one you really dance with?"
"My heart leads me to you." Yamcha started, "It must be your radiance and the beauty that you have on the outside and within your heart… You're red, why?"
"It's nothing really," Cynde looked down, "it's just something that runs in my family. We *Ahem* turn red whenever we're embarrassed, flattered, or in love."
"I didn't mean to flatter you, to much, I'm just speaking to you through my heart." Yamcha touched her face and their eyes locked.
"I don't think that's quite it." Cynde touched the hand on her face and continued to look into Yamcha eyes, "I think… no I know… I'm in love."
"Then there's something I must tell you." Yamcha whispered.
"Yes?" Cynde replied.
"I l…" they were about to kiss as he spoke.
"Stop the music! Stop! We have a fraud among us!" Bulma interrupted Yamcha on the microphone. Goten tried to get it back, but she held him back with her hand on his forehead. The lights came on. Everyone looked at her.
"Yes! A fraud and it's…her!" Bulma shouted pointing to Cynde. Everyone stared at Cynde.
Cynde thought fast, "Who are you going to believe? Me or her?!"
Jaunty snatches Cynde's cloak.
"Look at me! Look at me! I'm Cinderella the servant girl!" Jaunty chanted dancing around with it on.
"You will regain your ground, child!" Yamcha shouted taking it back before Cynde could say anything. Jaunty froze.
"Child? I don't want to marry someone who thinks I'm a child! Mummy! I want to go home!" Jaunty wailed running out the castle.
"Are you okay?" Yamcha asked Cynde.
"Not, really." Cynde looked away, ~ I am a fraud. I could never be Cinderella! ~
"It's all right Cinderella. They're gone now." Yamcha said to her.
Cynde shook her head as she backed up and tried not to cry, "I've, I've gotta go."
Cynde ran out the castle.
"Wait! Cinderella come back!" Yamcha called.
"No she does not!" Goten stared at her running out the door and shouted on the microphone, "Don't forget the shoe Cynde!"
Cynde struggled to get the shoe off, but in the end just hopped in her car and zoomed off.
"Wait! Come back!" Yamcha ran out the doors.
"I'm sorry your majesty, we tried to close the gates but her… car was to fast." Trunks said.
"I didn't even get the chance to tell her that I… love her." Yamcha had said it! If only he had said it sooner for it was now 12:31.
"Don't worry Prince Charming. We'll find a way to bring her back!" Cody said bravely.
"Yeah, what would you guys say if I said I had a plan and I know were Cinderella lives?" Goten was the last to come out. All the guys looked at him.
"I'd say spill or I'll hang you." Yamcha replied.
"That's funny." Goten pretended to laugh.
"I'm serious." Yamcha eyed Goten.
Goten gulped and turned blue, "Okay here's the plan."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Aren't you coming with me Lady Videl, my dear, dear, sister?" Gohan tried to get Videl to come in the court room with him.
"Heck, no. I plan on living a long life. See what I'm doing?" Videl breathed, "This is me breathing. This is how I'll go in that room, but you can be sure that's not how I'll come out."
"Thank you for your kindness." Gohan exaggerated.
"Anytime." Videl answered as he went in.
"Pardon my intrusion, your highness, but I've got good news and bad news." Gohan trailed when it came to 'bad news'.
"Bad news first, right daddy?" Pan looked at Goku.
"Right." Goku nodded.
"I can't exactly do that you see…" Gohan looked around.
"When will you know when it's your cue?" Videl asked Goten.
"WHAT!?! FIND HER YOU FOOL!!!" They heard Goku shout.
"That's my cue." Goten answered going in.
"Smart for a messenger." Videl said to herself as she continued to guard the door.
"Don't worry Dad… King Dad… King Goku. We've got it covered, but we need some of your men." Goten walked in.
"Yes, of coarse! Anything to find my future daughter-in-law!" Goku nodded.
***************************
The Next Day.
"I can't believe you pulled that stunt! You blew all my chance of every getting married to the Prince! Cinder-face." Jaunty complained following Cynde as she cleaned.
"Oh goodie, you're learning how to call people names, now shut up and if you're not gonna clean, move!" Cynde shouted.
"You're just jealous because you know that if you hadn't played that trick the Prince would've fallen in love with me." Jaunty went on.
"Not likely, taking into a count he thinks you're a kid!" Cynde teased.
'Shut up! I'm sure if he really knew me, he wouldn't have said that!"
"I'm sure." Cynde said sarcastically, "I don't know what you're complaining about to me. It's your own fault you're jealous."
"Am, not!" Jaunty pouted.
"Are, too. You didn't want Yamcha until he checked me out." Cynde grinned evilly.
"He did no such thing! And even if he did, you left right after me. Why is that? Hmm?" Jaunty shot back.
"I don't wanna talk about it." Cynde looked away starting to dust.
"You know why?" Jaunty looked at Cynde evilly, "He never ever wanted to see your face again."
"That's… not… true." Cynde said slowly.
"My foot it's not!" Jaunty exclaimed pushing Cynde.
~ Regain yourself Cynde! Remember she's your daughter! Remember she's your daughter! ~ Cynde told herself as she held her hand back from strangling Jaunty. She finally controlled herself by thinking of a way to get Jaunty back, "Want me to let you in on a little secret of mine?"
"Well, okay. Just because I have nothing better to do." Jaunty crossed her arms and pretended not to care.
"Well, you see. I get married to the Prince no matter what you say. Not only in this lifetime, baby, but the next one after this. Hey, I might as well get hitched with him the next lifetime after that. We were meant for each other and there's nothing a wannabe English brat like you can stop it, either." Cynde whispered to Jaunty, "Oh and guess what. You might not be my kid in this lifetime, but it's a little different next time around."
"Mother!" Jaunty cried stomping out the door.
"That's my game, Cynde's the name." Cynde smirked looking at her nails and then looked out the window. Burma was playing with a butterfly. Just then Vegeta came and picked her up.
"Burma!" Cynde yelled stumbling out the door and begged, "Please Vegeta! Don't hurt her! She's just a baby!"
Vegeta and Burma stared at her, then Burma started to giggle. Cynde stared at them puzzled.
"No, no mama! Uncie Vegi, read to me now!" Burma showed Cynde the book.
"Please forgive me kind-hearted Cinderella. How I treated you is not my occupation." Vegeta bowed for forgiveness.
Cynde nodded still very confused. "Then, what is your job?"
"I am the gardener and when Burma plays in the garden, her care giver. I am truly sorry for what I did to you, Mademoiselle Bulma orders me to… I have no choice." Vegeta explained in his French accent. The one out of all her friends, Cynde just couldn't get used to.
"Oh." Cynde nodded, again. Understanding this time.
"Mother! Mother! The Prince is coming! He is coming!" They heard Jaunty yell as Cynde went back inside the house.
"Change of plans." Bulma grabbed Cynde and started dragging her through the house and Cynde couldn't stop her!
"Let go, witch!" Cynde tried and tried to fight back, but for some reason she could not, ~ The story! It's preventing me from fighting back! ~
Bulma tossed Cynde into a small bathroom and locked the door in a way that Cynde couldn't open it.
"Let me out! Let me out right now, Bulma Briefs! You think this'll stop me?! Well, guess what! YOU'RE WRONG!!! You'll have better luck just handing me over to the Prince! DO YOU HEAR ME!?!" Cynde shouted slamming her fists on the door. Bulma just ignored her and locked the doorway to the hallway that the bathroom was in. Just as she finished locking it the doorbell rang.
"Oh! Prince Charming! You've come to save me!" Jaunty smiled opening the door and making her voice sound like Cynde's.
"That was too easy." Trunks mumbled shaking his head.
"Oh! Cinderella! You are just as beautiful as the messenger explained you and so much more!" Gohan babbled taking Jaunty's hand. Jaunty looked at their hands then at Gohan's face and blushed.
"That's not Cinderella, dufus." Goten muttered rolling his eyes.
Gohan didn't seem to hear.
Jaunty tried her best to smile, "Why whatever do you me beloved messenger?"
"People, can be put under arrest for fraud, my lady." Yamcha looked at her narrow-eyed, not taking any of this funny.
Jaunty gulped and stopped smiling, "I am not Cinderella, she is my step sister. Please, don't throw me into jail. My mother put me up to it!" Jaunty begged, "I want to change and be a better person!"
Yamcha nodded, "Your wish is granted Lady Jaunty, but to change, you can't stay here."
"Yes your majesty." Jaunty nodded.
"May we come in, now?" Trunks asked.
"Yes, of coarse." Jaunty answered still holding Gohan's hand as their eyes met.
"Excuse me, my lady, but would you like to go on a walk with me?" Gohan asked, smiling.
"I'd enjoy that very much, thanks." Jaunty answered, still looking into Gohan's eyes as they started to walk.
"That numb skull is dating the enemy!" Goten exclaimed in disgust.
"No matter. He's doing the job you've told him to." Cody came in with Goten after he finished tying up the horses.
"Hello! Is anyone home?" Trunks called.
"Yes." Bulma replied kindly, coming out the kitchen, "Oh! Your majesty!"
"Is there any young ladies from the ball here?" Trunks asked.
"Me." Bulma answered.
"Excuse me ma'am, but he said young." Cody cut in.
Bulma winced at him, "My daughter and that's it."
"Are you sure ma'am?" Trunks started to act out his lines.
"Yes." Bulma nodded.
"Hark! I hear something! An angel's cry!" Cody acted out.
~ Does he have to be so dramatic? Even when he's not ego strong, he's trying to steal the show. ~ Goten eyed Cody.
"I don't hear anything, certainly not an angel!" Bulma inched her way to the hallway door.
"Liar!" Yamcha winced at her narrow-eyed
"Am not!"
"How dare you talk back to your Prince!" Trunks scolded Bulma.
"And how dare you lie!" Cody scolded as well.
"Don't try and say you're not either. You're blinking rapidly and starting to sweat!" Goten said, getting Bulma real nervous.
"Madam, unless you want to spend the last of your days in a jail cell, I suggest you open the door." Yamcha demanded.
"There's really nothing here!" Bulma opened the doors, 'See! 'Tis nothing!"
"Wait! I really hear something this time!" Cody exclaimed before Bulma slammed the doors shut.
"Me too!" Goten and Trunks said together.
Yamcha walked down the hall.
"Let me out! Please! Please, Bulma!" Cynde gave out her last plea. Her throat was sore, her hand were swelling, and her heart was… broken. ~ It's hopeless! Perhaps, my Prince Charming wasn't meant to be. ~
"It 'tis… gone." Yamcha stopped.
"See nothing!" Bulma boasted staring at Goten, Trunks, and Cody.
"I know I heard something!" Yamcha claimed.
"Yamcha?" Cynde whispered to herself then shouted, "Yamcha! Yamcha! I'm in here!"
"Cinderella?" Yamcha called through the door.
"Yamcha, you've come to save me!"
"Of coarse. I didn't get to tell you this last night, but I love you Cinderella. I have since I first laid eyes on you!"
Cynde started to cry, "Don't say that, please. I beg of you not to."
"It is true, though." Yamcha went on, "Are you okay?"
"You're here aren't you?" Cynde laughed through tears.
"Listen here, Prince Yamcha! No one is above the law, unless you are the King and Queen! Which you are not! I deserve, my privacy!" Bulma shouted.
"She refuses to open the door!" Cody eyed Bulma.
"Don't worry. This bad boy'll be a synch to knock down! Stand away from the door, Cynde!" Goten took a few steps back.
"But, Goten…" Cynde talked back.
"Stop worrying! I won't hurt myself!" Goten tried to jump kick the door down, but was flung backwards before he even touched it, "A tough one, eh? KAME… AHME…."
"Goten, wait! Will you listen?!" Cynde yelled standing on the toilet.
"AH!!!!" Goten tried to knock the door down with a blast, but (like what happened to him) the blast was flung back before it even touched the door. Everyone ducked as it blew a hole through the wall.
"My wall!" Bulma stared at the hole wide-eyed.
"What the heck?" Goten looked at it as well.
"It's the story! It refuses to let certain things happen!" Cynde explained, "let Prince Charming over there try!"
Yamcha nodded, took a step back and kicked the door down. He took Cynde's hand, "I have saved you fair maiden in distress."
Cynde looked at Yamcha, "So, you have."
They were just about to kiss when Bulma interrupted, yet again.
"No, no, no!" Bulma separated them, "Marry my daughter Jaunty! She looks exactly like Ella, except, younger, has class, a family, and dental insurance."
Cody cut in before anyone else could say anything, "It seems as though she has other plans in mind."
He handed a letter that was pinned to the front door to Trunks and Trunks started to read it, "Dear mother,
"I've had enough of you and your greedy, evil, bossy, wicked ways. When I grow-up I wish to marry because of love… not because of wealth. It was hard for me to see this because you have corrupted my mind.
"I have decided to run away with my true knight in shining armor, Sir Gohan. Hopefully, I will become a better person. Maybe even a lady of honor. All I know is, I've finally discovered love! The love I deserve!
"Cheerio, Jaunty
"PS The dental insurance is still mine!"
"Give that to me!" Bulma snatched the letter. After reading it she screamed, "How dare she make a jest of me! Go with you prince, but hear this… I'll be watching you!"
And with that Bulma stomped up the steps and slammed the door.
"She's just jealous!" Cynde hugged Yamcha.
"Psst." Goten tossed Yamcha a black box.
Yamcha kneeled on one knee, "Cinderella, will you marry me?"
Suspense ran through the room and Cynde looked away.
"Cinderella?" Yamcha looked at her nervously.
"You have been deceived. I can not marry you." Cynde walked out side and sat on the steps.
Yamcha's heart sank, Cody & Trunks were shocked, and Goten nearly died.
~ No! She can't do this to me! ~ Goten held his heart, feeling as though it just had an attack.
"But, but why?" Yamcha looked at her.
Cynde continued to look away, no longer was she happy to see him, "They were right, my step mother and step sister, I am a fraud. I am not Cinderella."
"Does that matter?" Yamcha smiled kneeling next to her, "I did not fall-in-love with Cinderella I fell in love with you…"
"Cynde." She replied.
"Cynde, even more becoming then Cinderella. How wants to marry a girl named after the ash from the fireplace, anyway?" Yamcha joked making Cynde laugh, "So I ask you again, Cynde, will you marry me."
"You don't even need to ask!" Cynde smiled, hugging Yamcha so tight he fell over into the grass.
"Wouldn't you like to see the ring, my lady?" Yamcha asked trying to breath.
"Ring?" Cynde let go.
"Yes." Yamcha opened the box and showed her a ring made of pure diamonds and jewels. Cynde stared at it admiringly, then looked at Yamcha. Once again they were about to kiss when, once again they were stopped.
"Wait! Now that you're engaged, you can't kiss or see each other until the wedding tomorrow!" Trunks had cut in.
"Oi." Cynde fell over face down in the grass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You may now kiss the bride." The priest announced. Finally, Yamcha and Cynde kissed for four long minutes, without any interruption.
"Aren't you supposed to through the boutique, my Queen?" Cody asked sitting on top of the buggy.
"Oh. Right!" Cynde throw the flowers behind her back and Bulma caught it. Vegeta and Bulma looked at each other, blushed, then quickly looked away.
"Better luck next time, my dear lady." Gohan looked at Jaunty.
Jaunty kissed him on the cheek, "Luck? Who needs luck, when I've got you?"
"Sorry, kiddo." Cynde looked up at Cody, "We're gonna skip the buggy ride. The tooth faerie left me more then 25 cents."
Yamcha and Cynde went behind the castle and there was Cynde's convertible, with Chi-chi standing next to it.
"I'd appreciate it next time if didn't confuse me with that cheep, two-faced tooth faerie! I didn't spend 150 years of my life in fairy god mother school, to be called a tooth faerie!" Chi-chi complained.
"Sorry." Cynde apologized.
"No problem. Now, I've gotta go. One of my clients think that he can fly off the empire state building. Oi, does it ever end?!" Chi-chi disappeared.
"Oh my god!!!" Cynde remembered, "We had to be in New York three days ago!"
"We did?" Yamcha asked puzzled.
"Yeah!" Cynde nodded, "I trust you know how to drive this."
"Yes, it's simple." Yamcha lied taking the keys.
"Better yet, don't." Cynde took the keys back.
They hopped into the car and drove off. Suddenly, the ground started to shake and a white light surrounded them. All was silent.
*************
"Cyn! You, Cynde! Get up! The plane is landing!" Yamcha tried to get Cynde up.
"Oh, Prince Charming. You've come to save me again." Cynde mumbled sleepily.
Yamcha raised one brow and smirked, "Whatever you say, Cynde-rella. You gotta buckle up though, unless you want to fly around the plane and break more then your glass slippers."
"They were platforms!" She complained then noticed her surroundings, "Where are we?"
"Last time I checked, on a plane. To New York. To visit your sister. In NYC." Yamcha explained slowly.
Burma woke up dazed after Cynde buckled her up.
"I had the weirdest dream that I was Cinderella." Cynde said.
"Me, too!" Goten exclaimed, "It felt so real."
"You dreamed, of being in Cinderella?" Trunks laughed.
"Shut up, Trunks." Goten said through gritted teeth.
"No, dream! 'Twas real!!!" Burma exclaimed.
"Then how come we don't remember?" Cody said, "You can't say the three of you had the same dream and I wasn't in it!"
"Please!" Jaunty shook her head, "If you were in a dream, it would be a nightmare!"
"What's that supposed'tah mean?" Cody looked at her.
"I mean what I said." Jaunty replied.
In no time everything was the way it was before Cynde, Goten, and Burma 'fell asleep'.
"Maybe it was just a dream, then again maybe not." Cynde said.
