Last Chapter:

Bulma grinned down at Radditz when she heard him growl in annoyance, before Radditz could ask who she was, a stream of laughter was heard as Goku ran up to the woman and held out his arms to her. She grinned at him as she fell into his waiting arms. She giggled with delight as he hugged her tightly to himself; "Bulma, what on Draconia are you doing here?" She chuckled as she kissed the warrior's cheek, "Why, I'm here to see you Goku, I couldn't pass up another adventure like this."

Chapter Five:

       Radditz glared at the Goku and Bulma with impatience, "Kakarrot, explain please." Goku turned to his brother with a sheepish grin on his face, "She's a friend, I'll explain on the way, trust me. But perhaps we should leave; we are running behind schedule and still a long way to go. Right guys?" He turned to his twin brother and Aerin for a little help.

Turles and Aerin exchanged glances before they shrugged, "He's right Radditz; we don't have time to discuss this now. We have to move." Turles turned to Goku and Bulma and frowned, "Perhaps you can keep a better watch over that woman. She's bossier than Aerin, worse I think."

Bulma was about to protest when the other woman growled her displeasure. "If I were you Turles, I would think about what I deem worse." Turles held his hands out in surrender as he moved towards his horse.

Goku shook his head in amusement. "Perhaps you can tell me what you think you're doing Bulma. But first get on your horse. I don't think I want to test Radditz patience now." Bulma nodded silent as she turned towards her horse, she was about to get on when Goku put his hand on her waist to assist her into the saddle.

Bulma swatted his hand away in offense, "Thank you, but it is not necessary. I'm not a baby Goku, I can mount my own horse by myself."

Goku chuckled as he withdrew his hands, "I forgot how stubborn you are. One of these days Bulma, you're going to ask help without even realizing it. I hope you accept it without contempt."

Bulma seated herself in her saddle and looked at Goku in surprise. She watched as his dark eyes twinkled with mirth. "What's that suppose to mean Goku? If you think that all women need men to help them, then you are sadly mistaken. I have no need for any man…well…except for my own pleasure." Goku burst into laughter as he witness the blush that crept up her face; he shook his head as he made his way to his horse and mounted him.

Bulma looked around in embarrassment, hoping that no one heard her. No such luck, Turles was grinning from ear to ear as he winked at her and motioned to Aerin who was riding away from them with her head held high. And she could hear the one Goku called Radditz mumbling something about difficult women as he rode past her.

When everyone was mounted Radditz began to speak, "It would seem that we are all here, we must ride if we want to get to the High king." Everyone nodded absentmindedly in Radditz 's direction but they could not take their eyes of the woman with the blue hair.

There was nothing particularly beautiful about her, not breath taking in any sense of the word, beauty comes in many forms; but there was something about her that called for attention. Her heart shaped face was indeed a pretty sight to look upon. Her deep blue eyes sparkled with laughter and joy, while she was smiling mischievously as if she held a secret. Her whole being seemed to radiate some magical entity, a grace that was not of her age.

Radditz mounted his horse and watched as the group mounted as well and moved toward the capital. His eyes narrowed as suspiciously. There was something familiar about her; she reined in her horse next Goku and spoke softly to the Dragonlord. He watched the man's face break into a grin and he shook his head. She grinned with triumphed.  She reminded him of someone, but he did not know whom.

He watched as King Yamcha moved towards the couple, 'Curiosity getting the better of him I suppose.' In the corner of his eye he also noticed Princess Chichi was heading in their direction as well. But unlike her cousin, she had an annoyed look on her face. 'Well it seems my brother is in over his head.' Radditz grinned in amusement.

Bulma reined her horse next to Goku and peered up at him, he was still unhappy about her decision to come with them. Maybe she could fix that, "Goku, you're not mad at me are you?" Goku frowned at her but did not reply. She sighed loudly, "I guess that's a yes. But honestly Goku, you must be mad if you think I was to stand by while the world needs my help."

She watched with triumphed as he broke into a grin and shook his head. "Your father was right, you are indeed impossible to deal with."

Before he could continue Yamcha joined them and without warning embraced the small woman. "Bulma, I'm so glad to see you."

Bulma was caught off guard; she stared at the king in shock but returned his hug as best as she could with the awkwardness of their seats. "Yamcha!! I had no idea you were here. It has been so long since I've seen that handsome face of yours." Yamcha chuckled as he released her.

Goku sobered up and frowned at his blue haired companion, "Enough of this Bulma, what are you doing here? Honestly, I can't blame Aerin and Turles for any of these. You obviously were watching out for us."

Bulma turned to Goku with a frown, "Well Aerin came to see the High king last fall and I happen to be there.  Before she returned to Draconia, I over heard something about you coming this way. I did not trick anyone, dragons flying over a city don't happen to be a usual occurrence here Goku. I followed Turles and Aerin when they flew over my village and I knew something was up by how fast they were moving. So here I am."

Goku grinned at her, "Yes, here you are. Bulma, this matter does not concern you, you can not follow us."

Just then Chichi reached the group and Chichi made a point to clear her throat very loudly, "Goku, aren't you going to introduce me?"

Bulma turned and eyed the young girl with interest. Goku grinned sheepishly, "Princess, I'm sorry for not introducing you earlier, this is my friend Bulma. Bulma, I would like you to meet Princess Chichi of Amadicia."

Bulma watched with amusement as the other girl's eyes narrow for an instant before she smiled stiffly, "How do you do Bulma."

Bulma returned the smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you Princess." Bulma watched as the girl's eyes drifted to Goku and she understood; the young princess had a fancy for her friend. 'So Goku, you have an admirer…hmmm..interesting…not bad Goku…she's very beautiful. You can have that affect on any woman, huh Goku?' 

Bulma grinned inwardly at the silliness of it all. She was about to ask the princess which of the monarchs were her kinsmen when Chichi spoke first. "What is your occupation Bulma?"

Bulma blinked in surprised at the question, no one has ever asked her that question. She was not vain but always she assumed everyone knew her profession by clothes. She absently adjusted her red robs and shifted in her saddle. For a split second her eyes wonder down to the silver amulet that hung around her neck; it felt like a ton right at the moment, the centered red ruby reflecting off the sun. Her hands, which rested on her thigh, gripped the material of her dark breeches, threatening to ripe it off her legs.

She forgot where she was for a second; she shook her head and glanced at the younger woman. "Well, I don't do anything really, I'm just an apprentice." Goku shook his head to object, "What's wrong with you Bulma, you've never been demure? Princess, Bulma here is a Drifter."

Chichi turned from Goku to the blue haired woman with disbelief, 'That is impossible…Drifters are element workers. Which happens to be men only…everyone knows that men are the only ones that can understand the elements. I take that back…gifted men only…born with the ability to manipulate any earthly element to their desire. Women can't control the elements…I refuse to believe it.'

As if Bulma read her mind, she shrugged and chuckled, "I'm not a Drifter Goku. How many times must I tell you that?" Goku did not get a chance to reply when Yamcha spoke up, "Well, you are studying under your father are you not? He is the Master Drifter is he not?"

Bulma looked from one man to the other before turning her gaze to the younger girl, "Have you ever heard of Drifters Princess?"

Chichi nodded still in disbelief for Goku and Yamcha's explanation, "You're the daughter of a Drifter? Studying under him? I was under the impression that you must be male in order to practice under the elements." She tried not to sound to curious, but she could not help it, 'This Bulma was indeed wearing the robes of a Drifter, but that does not make her one.' When she first came upon them, she was ready to hate this woman, but she could not, for she was not a threat. 'I must be going insane, I'm possessive of something that is not even mine in the first place. They are just friends Chichi, get a grip of your self.'

"Chichi are you listening? Bulma is talking to you, don't be rude." Chichi turned her head to see her cousin frowning at her, "I'm sorry, I forgot myself, would you mind repeating that again Lady Bulma?"

Bulma smiled at her, "Well, I was just replying to your question about my place among the group of Drifters. True to your question, Drifters consist of only men for many centuries now, but there were women Drifters in history. No mortal knows his own fate, the Gods on the other hand know, for they are the ones who set us here on this planet. But the planet itself chooses the one it wants to know its secrets. So comes an Element Worker, that's what Drifter means, an individual who can work the elements of the planet. Usually the planet chooses men, for they symbolized strength and security. The will of men were what the planet needed and so men were the first choice to willed the elements.

Bulma watched as Chichi bristled in annoyance at that remark, "Do not fret, Princess, I will explain. For centuries the Drifters were men who understood and accepted the elements as a part of them. Only a woman of chance, became the first women to understand the elements, her name was Catrina. She was a daughter of a Drifter and an elf, and as you know elves are creatures of the earth; that elf was a beloved to this world, it favored her greatly."

"Because of what her parents were, Catrina came to understand the elements. She was at first an unwelcome revelation to the Drifters. But over time the Drifters came to accept her and the possibility of other women chosen by the planet. Of course all of this took years, but I was cutting it short."

Bulma took a deep breath, "So, any questions?" She grinned when she saw the Princess raised an eyebrow at her question, "Can you manipulate the elements, Lady Bulma?"

"I don't manipulate it, I communicate with it. You see Goku's armor; it's made from Cashin. The finest metal ever found, but the only problem is that it cannot be forged by just ordinary fire, the Drifters work with the elements itself, molding it, communicating with it, until the metal is transformed into what the Drifter asked of it. It's a shame that not all men can wear the metal."

Chichi glanced at Goku's armor with curiosity, "Why not?" Bulma sighed, "Well, Cashin may be the finest metal, strong and durable, but it's very heavy. So the Drifters make them only for the Dragons."

Chichi looked from Goku to the three other Dragonlords, truth to be told, they all wore the same armor. "I never realized that before."

Goku cried out in protest, "That is not true Bulma and you know it, Yamcha can wear the armor, can't you Yamcha?"

Yamcha held out his arms in argument, "I wore it once for only one hour before the weight got to me. I would rather stick to Testmar, just as fine as Cashin, without the weight." He patted his armored chest with amusement.

Goku sighed in defeat, "Fine, whatever you guys say. Anyways Chichi, Bulma's father made the armor I'm wearing right now. He's the Master Drifter, and as I said before Bulma is his apprentice."

"I knew you looked familiar, you're Briefs' daughter." Everyone turned to look at the owner of new voice. Bulma once again stared at the Dragonlord for the second time that day. Radditz stared right back at her, "What do we owe the honor of such a presence among us Lady Bulma?" From the corner of his eyes he saw his brother open his mouth to intervene, "Shut-up Kakarrot, I was addressing the Lady, not you."

Kakarrot bit down on his lip to keep from laughing, Radditz sounded irritated, but his manner said other wise. Bulma inclined her head to Radditz in respect, "My lord, I'm sorry to have come unannounced, but I have arrived under the Master Drifter's order to assist you on your journey. He regretfully can not make the trip himself."

Radditz glanced at Goku to see the younger Dragonlord shrug, he turned his gaze to the Drifter with seriousness, "So you know of what we are doing?" She nodded slowly. Radditz sighed softly, relieved that he did not have to explain again of the disastrous events, "As a Drifter Lady Bulma,--"

"I'm not a Drifter, Dragonlord. I am but an apprentice." Radditz raised an eyebrow at her, "An apprentice? Are you making a mockery of me Lady Bulma, does the Master Drifter think so low of us to send a mere apprentice?"

Bulma glared at him, her faced burned with humiliation and anger at his indication. "My father would not send someone he thought would not be able to help. How dare you—"

"No Lady Bulma, how dare you lie to me? Apprentice is it? Do you think me blind, because of my old age? When have the Drifters start handing out Aton amulets to apprentices? Doesn't it represent the right of ascension to Drifters?"

Bulma's hand automatically flew up to clutch at the amulet; she felt the blood rush to her face in a fury. She hung her head in embarrassment for a split second before she shook it. She returned her eyes to the Dragonlord and breathed out her apology. "I am truly sorry to have offended you my lord. I got carried away. I did not mean to lie. This is not the first time my mouth has run a mock. I seem to have a talent arousing anger when I am not careful."

Radditz nodded his head in understanding, "You don't seem like a person who practices modesty, let's not try now. No offense intended Lady Bulma."

Bulma grinned at him, "None taken, father wanted me to tone down, I guess I was not successful. And would you all stop calling me Lady Bulma, Bulma would do just fine."

Goku burst out laughing, "I never bother with it Bulma, you seem to change your mind about your name every time I see you."

Galadoor grunted his impatience at the slow pace the group was making. He started swinging his black head in irritation, bringing his feelings to the attention of his rider.

Goku patted his neck in understanding, he looked about the group before he grinned broadly, "Well, I think Galadoor desires some overdue exercise. Will you all excuse me?" Before anyone could answer he turned his horse away from the group and started galloping toward the East.

They all watched him depart; the last thing they heard was his cheerful laughter as he disappeared into the dark forest.

Bulma wanted so desperately to run with her friend but shrugged off the impulse, wanting more to get to know her company better. She turned to the Princess to see her still watching the spot where the Dragonlord disappeared. She decided she liked the young princess the minute she saw her. There was something about her. This was a good time to find out about the princess and a certain winged friend of hers.

After Radditz moved toward the remaining Dragonlords, Yamcha as well followed his example, saying he needed to speak with his commander. Leaving Bulma with Chichi, she grinned at the princess distracted look.

"He'll be back soon; sometimes I think they share the same personality, full of adventure and not enough time to do them. But he does have a heart of gold, and very handsome to look upon." Bulma watched the princess grin at her with mirth in her dark brown eyes.

"How long have you known Goku, Bulma?" Bulma tapped her bottom lip in concentration, How long have I known Goku? That's an interesting question. Bulma chuckled in amusement before clearing her throat; "Goku was introduced to me when I was born. The day I came into this world, Goku was sent to see my father at the request of his father, the Dragonlord of Tescom. He was sent to collect the armor that my father made for Bardock. Of course, when he arrived he was made to wait; he was shocked to say the least. But knowing Goku he was more curious than angry, so he went to explore. There in my mother's arms, I was introduced to Goku."

"After that, Goku would come every chance he could, but when I was about three, the Mortans waged a war against the Dragons. Cell was one of the leaders of the Mortans, the ruthless brute managed to destroy Draconia, but the Dragons as you know won. There was a lot of healing that Draconia needed, and a lot of patience, they needed to help the land grow to the riches it was before the war. So I never saw Goku again until I was about sixteen years of age."

"When he came back, he did not want anyone to know that a Dragon was amongst them, so he disguised himself as a little boy of about five years old. We met by pure chance, I ran him over with my horse."

Chichi giggled but her eyes were showing disbelief, "You're not serious are you? Was he hurt?"

Bulma shook her head as she tried to contain her laughter at the memory, "He wasn't hurt, and honestly those Dragons are made of stone. Anyways, I thought I was in deep trouble so I promised I would do anything for him if he kept his mouth shut about the incident. He wanted me to buy him a ton of food. The jerk already knew who I was at the time, but kept up the charade."

Chichi watched the older girl grin, her curiosity getting the better of her; she impatiently spoke up, "So when did you finally find out?"

"A few days later he told me, but said it was safer that he kept the boy appearance until the Dragonking gave word."

Bulma raised her blue eyes ahead and saw the highest tower of the Laderia Castle. She turned to her companion and grinned, "Look princess, we've reached our destination. Isn't it beautiful?"

Chichi followed the Drifter's train of sight to see a white tower about forty miles ahead. Even with the tall trees reaching the skies, the tower stood above all else. "The High King lives there?"

"Well not in the tower, but the tower is the highest monument on this continent. The rest of Laderia Castle is even better, it's beauty and strength is in a sense perfect. You'll see for yourself."

"I can't wait."

Draconia:

       The silence stretched on forever it seemed, a red dragon paced the outside chambers with impatience and worry. He was physically as well as mentally exhausted; the other three Dragonlord and himself were taking turns keeping the shield around the Dragonking in place. It was a mentally challenging and delicate. He was impatiently waiting his shift, long ago giving up on rest.

       His extended his red wings to its fullest length before bringing it to his sides so many times, that he could feel his joints protest at the exercise. The steam that escaped his nostrils wrapped around him, cloaking his head for seconds before evaporating, his powerful jaw snapped at the thin air in frustration.

       He was still pacing when the entranced--to the Dragonking's chambers--that was made of stone shifted and disappeared. Nappa turned and glared at the dragon that was exiting.

       The dragon's scaly body as well as wings was the color of snow, a single horn adorned the center of her forehead. Her white head was bowed as she exited but at Nappa's growl she halted and lifted her head. Upon seeing who it was, hissed at Nappa, "Nappa, you should not be here, you must rest, and regain the energy you lost."

Nappa shook his head in anger, "I can not, I want to see the king, let me pass."

The dragon blocked his way, she bared her teeth at him in challenge, "I will not let you do such a foolish thing to your king. Think Nappa; he needs our help. You are of no use to him, if you cannot hold up the shield without energy. I plead with you, leave and rest a while my lord." Her grand head inclined to the corridors leading to the North.

Nappa followed her gaze and sighed, "Demona, you will let me know, when anything happens." It was not a request, but the female Dragonlord understood, "I will Nappa. Now go. I will summon you when your shift is upon us."

In a sign of respect and trust, Demona left him at the entrance and disappeared down the corridor to the South. Nappa glanced after her before sighing again, he turned to leave when a movement to his right caught his eye. He stiffen for a second before a voice spoke, "You heard the Lady, Nappa; a few hours won't kill you. Besides, you're getting on my nerves."

Nappa bowed his head at the shadowed figure, "Prince Vegeta, where have you been?"

Instead of replying he moved past the Dragonlord and entered the king's chambers, but before the stone entrance moved back into place, he stopped and spoke, "Go Nappa, my father needs all the Dragonlords awake at the final hour." Without another word Nappa nodded before disappearing down the North corridor. All the while muttering about his failure to detect the prince's presence because of his old age.

After the stone door was in place, Bardock raised his golden head and stared at the black dragon that just entered. He silently acknowledged his prince's presence before returning to his task at hand. He closed his eyes as he laid his head on the ground, wrapping his energy signature to that of the shield covering the sleeping king.

Prince Vegeta remained underneath the cover of darkness, watching the Dragonlord of Tescom support the mightiest of dragons in his most vulnerable hour. No matter how much he has endured as the Dragon Prince, he can never fully accept the burden of his torment as well as that of his father's. He shook his black head when another wave of pain coursed through his body.  Starting in his head, it spread to his chest with malice. He could not understand the urgency of which his father communicated with him, only the silent warning in his head was the only implication that his father was indeed alive and speaking to him.

He stood there in the shadows without moving a muscle for what seemed like an eternity, just thinking about everything and nothing, 'I'm helpless, my father's fate rest in the hands of mortals, mere….mortals…humans….'He sneered at the word. He blinked, realizing that he did not guard his thoughts; turning his head he saw the gold Dragon observing him quietly. They stared at one another for what seemed like forever, before the prince turned his head away in anger. "They're weaklings…they have no strength, no honor, no pride. Am I supposed to put my trust in the hands of these humans, my father's life? All they know of is greed.  " The last word said in a loud hiss, the prince waited for the Dragonlord's reply.

He was met with silence.

Bardock watched sadly as the prince moved deeper into the shadows, possibly seething with barely unchecked rage. He knew better than to speak of reasoning and responsibility to the prince, they were running out of time. He suddenly remembered who was sent to bring the human allies to Draconia. His oldest son he was not worried about, his other two offspring were more trouble than he himself could handle. 'They will succeed…have faith…or so help me…I will skin those two alive.' 

***** ***** *****

"Crossing open ice in the dead of winter is one of the more uncomfortable experiences you'll ever have, I expect."

Everyone near them listened closely as Krillan informed Chichi of the hazards that lay pass the capital. It was a great distraction for what lay ahead, the Capital was more than twenty miles and no one knew what to expect.

"Once you get out a ways from the shore, the wind has total access to you, and the artic winds blows continually. Of course, it sweeps the ice clear of snow, so at least you don't have to wade through snowdrifts."

"So, because of all these complications, no one is able to cross the oceans to the East, the direction of Draconia?" her voice was eager as Chichi waited for Krillan to answer. The bald king began to speak when Radditz's clear voice cut him off.

"Aerin! Kakarrot!" Though the call was for the two Dragonlords the whole company halted and listened. They observed as the two warriors rounded Radditz, their horses feeling the tension, wanting to sprint.

"The two of you must move to the capital ahead of us, in your human form, ask to see the High King. Do not reveal your rank; tell them you are merely Dragonknights. Only in the presence of the High King alone will you tell them of your true identity. Tell him only of our coming, he might already know of our presence and why we are here. Nevertheless, inform him. Now fly."

They nodded their heads in understanding and without hesitation started their horses into a gallop. Just ahead of the company, they leap from their horses and into the air. Everyone watched as the two Dragonlords changed form. They grew in size and changed color; one of red scales and the other of gold, their wings covered the sky in darkness as they circled the group twice before they flew towards the Capital, towards Laderia castle and it's King

To be continued….

What do you think? I know it took forever for me to post this, but everything this summer has been wack, so please excuse the lateness. I hope you enjoyed it though.