Chapter 3
Bulma rolled over to feel the hot touch of sun on her pale cheek. Sitting up jerking her head around the room. She quickly stood up off the bed. Noticing she still wore her cream white under-dress, she ran into Chi-Chi's room. Her pounding quiet footsteps woke Chi-Chi as she sat up straight. Her eyes opened through the sleep, seeing Bulma standing there breathing hard.
She stretched her arms up and yawned. "Bulma? What is it?" She asked with her groggy voice. Bulma sat down in front of Chi-Chi. "I was so afraid that I would wake up, and I would see myself as.a rotting corpse.." She shivered.
Chi-Chi placed her arms around Bulma warmly. "Bulma.we're alive, those men did not kill us. We must find out who they are. They saved our lives.in a way. We owe them our lives. I think we should show them our gratitude." She said softly.
Bulma looked down. She slowly nodded. "You're right.I bet they're very angry considering how I treated them." Chi-Chi smiled softly. "Well lets go see if they are down there." She said standing up holding Bulma's hand.
They both quickly slipped into their lovely shredded gowns and walked down to the large hallway. Chi-Chi blinked. "This castle has not been cared to for a very long time." Bulma pulled her along down another quiet hallway. Along the wall there were pictures, or large portraits. Lady Chi-Chi suddenly stopped at a certain picture. A sign of de javu crossed her mind. Although the picture had a scar through it, it looked clear. Chi-Chi walked over to a door that lay in the present hallway. "I'll look in here." Bulma walked on. * * *
As Chi-Chi observed the room she came upon a large, purple velvet curtain. She reached her hand up to stroke it. As her hand touched it, she suddenly felt a hand grab the curtain. She quickly turned and gave a gasp. "Oh! Your- Your highness!" She jumped back. "You startled me!" She cried. Vegeta kept his straight look on her eyes. "Get out of this room." He said firmly. Chi-Chi swallowed. She quickly walked out of the room. As she began to walk away, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. She turned face to face with the prince. "Your highness? What have I done now?" She asked with fear.
Vegeta rolled his eyes slightly. "I'll only say this once, that room is forbidden.
Understood? I don't care if you are a guest in my home, I don't allow anyone in there." "I understand.sir." She said turning away. She quickly walked away from him. As she turned the corner she bumped into Bulma.
"Oh! Bulma I am sorry!" She said looking behind her. Bulma sighed. "It's all right Chi-Chi, but what's the hurry?" "I just ran into Prince Vegeta, I seemed to have done something wrong."
Bulma scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. 'Everything gets that prince mad, do not let it bother you Chi-Chi. Come on, I found the kitchen and we can start cooking something." She said leading Chi-Chi toward the kitchen.
Chi-Chi looked from side to side as they walked along the hall. "Bulma, have you noticed that there is not a single sign of pure light in this manor? The only light is candlelight."
Bulma blinked. "Yes I have noticed that. Perhaps they are sensitive to the sun. I have heard that people can be such." She said.
"Ah here we are." They walked into the large empty kitchen filled with pots and pans, dishes, silver wear, a table, and sinks, the fireplace burned as well.
Chi-Chi rolled her sleeves up to each elbow. "Well we better start. We have to make good impression for those young men."
Bulma giggled. "The young men? I was thinking of cooking for myself!" She laughed. Chi-Chi giggled as well. "Well, it is the least we could do. After all they are handsome aren't they?" She blushed.
Bulma's mouth covered in a deep grin as she tied an apron around her waist. "Yes they certainly are."
Chi-Chi leaned up from the sink as she blinked. "Bulma.where did you find that apron?"
Bulma looked down. She gave a slight twirl. "Well I found it in that closet. There must be another one in there as well. I'll get it for you." She said walking toward the closet.
As she pulled it out a small, thin piece of paper fell to the ground. Bulma leaned down picking it up. "Hmm, what is this?"
Chi-Chi took the apron form her looking at the piece of paper. "Perhaps they are ingredients for a certain dinner." Bulma lightly opened up the paper as her eyes traveled from side to side reading the words printed upon it.
She blinked in surprise. "If these are ingredients I am not so sure I am going to like what those men eat here!" She cried handing Chi-Chi the paper.
Chi-Chi read it aloud: Strand of a male's hair The Petal of a rose The Blood of a Female Virgin A Vampire's Drop of Love
Chi-Chi blinked. "My word.this is very strange."
Bulma quickly grabbed it from Chi-Chi's hand. "We do not need this rubbish!" She said throwing the paper into the orange flames.
Chi-Chi opened her mouth in awe. "Bulma!" She quickly bent down to retrieve it, but it was too late, the flames had already eaten the small white object.
"What if that piece of paper was important!?" She cried.
Bulma crossed her arms walking toward the table. "How could a small piece of paper be so important Chi-Chi? I swear you always think the smallest things in this world are the most important."
Chi-Chi stood up tying the apron around her. "Well I'm more careful than you are my dear Bulma."
Bulma growled as she grabbed a broom from the closet. "Oh just start cooking Chi-Chi! And I will clean up and set the table."
As Chi-Chi did what she told, Bulma began to sweep the dust off the floor and off the table. As She bent over to get under the table her sapphire necklace slipped into the middle of her neck. She gave a light gasp gripping it tightly, afraid it would fall off.
Her hand clutched it tightly as she trembled with her tears. Chi-Chi turned from the oven to see Bulma gently sobbing to herself. As she placed the cold dough into the hot palace, she slowly walked over to Bulma placing her hands upon her shoulders.
"Bulma." She began.
Bulma quickly wiped the tears from her face with her wrist. "I am all right, it just the fire. It bothers my eyes." She said sniffling.
Chi-Chi grasped her hands tightly on her shoulder. "Bulma.at least they are safe now. They are not in any danger. Your father and Mother would hate to see you like this."
She gently turned Bulma around to face her. She pulled out a small hanker chief wiping her soaked cheeks dry. "There, there." She said gently.
Bulma smiled gently at Chi-Chi. "Thank you, my dear friend." She said. A loud crack suddenly startled them making them both jump.
Bulma gripped Chi-Chi's arm. "Wh-What was that?!" She cried. Chi-Chi breathed in. "Relax. It was just the fire, it's crackers keep cracking, trying to scare us." She joked. Bulma smiled. She bent down and picked up the fire pointer. As she poked at the fire, she heard footsteps approach the kitchen. She stood up looking to the doorway. Appearing there, was the young man who had been with Prince Vegeta.
Bulma gave a slight blush as to see him wearing his pale white shirt hanging open sharing his bare chest, with his tight black pants holding to his skin. His boots made a sliding noise as he dragged one foot across the other.
Chi-Chi turned from the stove to the door. "Oh.hello.sir." She said with a curtsy.
He grinned. "No need, for the formalities. Goku is just fine. Or if you insist on being exactly like his highness, it would be Kakarot."
Chi-Chi swallowed. "Uh.all right, Sir Goku." She said.
Goku chuckled as he looked at her then Bulma. "Did you two sleep well?" he asked his hands resting on both sides of the door.
Bulma walked over to the table pulling out a chair. "No.we didn't, but thank you for asking."
Goku gave a nod. He started to sniff the air. "Well, something smells awfully good." He looked upon the back of Chi-Chi. "What is that appetizing smell?" He asked.
Chi-Chi turned to him. "It is Bleached biscuits Sir Goku. I have been making them since I was a little girl."
Goku walked in seating himself down. "I told you just Goku is fine. And I'm sure that if you have been making that food for that long then it will taste spectacular."
Chi-Chi covered the redness in her cheeks. "Oh.why thank you." She smiled.
Bulma looked at Goku. "Tell me Goku, where is that prince of yours?"
"Vegeta should be down soon. We both tend to have the same appetite." He said dragging his tongue across his lips.
Bulma nodded. "uh huh. Well Goku, you seem to have no light in here what so ever. Why is that?" She asked leaning forward.
"We are sensitive to the sun." He said flatly yet quickly.
"Do you ever have any company here?"
"You're company aren't you?" He asked back.
"Yes, but do you ever have any parties here?"
"No, we never have anything like that here. There is no one to invite."
Chi-Chi turned to the table placing the hot crispy biscuits down in front of them. Bulma turned her head. "Well then, invite your girls. You do have girls don't you?" She asked leaning in closer.
Goku opened his mouth to reply.
"Do you always stick your nose into other people's business?" said a grouchy voice. Bulma turned to see Vegeta standing there leaning against the doorway. "Well, well, Prince Charming has awaken, now we can all crouch in fear." She grinned.
Vegeta gave a snarl as he walked to the table. "Don't give me that kind of attack woman, I am no mood. You should just be so lucky that I have let you stay here. I could've thrown you out yesterday in the pouring rain and you would've been eaten alive by wild, hungry animals."
Chi-Chi gulped. Goku laughed placing his hand upon Vegeta's shoulder. "Vegeta there is no need to be so grouchy, these ladies have made breakfast for us, and they have cleaned up the kitchen."
Vegeta scowled. "Ah, who cares? Tell this whore right here, to watch her mouth in the presence of royalty."
Bulma suddenly looked down with a growl.
Chi-Chi backed away in fear. "Bu-Bulma.?" She quivered.
Goku blinked. "Hmm.Well that can't be good, the way she's shaking like that."
Bulma looked up at him with glare that spelled death. "Me? A whore? You are the one who kissed me last night trying to keep me silent. There are other ways you know!" She growled standing up. As she stomped out Vegeta walked after her. He quickly caught up with her.
"Where in the world do you think you're going?!" He asked.
She looked straightforward with anger. "Anywhere but in this hell house!"
As she passed each doorway she suddenly stopped. She looked to her right to see a beautiful garden room, filled with flowers, and a giant water fountain. She slowly walked into the room ignoring Vegeta's growls.
Vegeta suddenly grabbed her arm. "Hey! Are you listening to me?!" He yelled.
Bulma spun around toward him. She blinked in surprise. "Let.go.of.me." She growled.
"I will do no such thing, until you ask for forgiveness from me." He grinned. Bulma suddenly laughed. "Me? Ask for forgiveness? From you?" She began to laugh harder. Vegeta suddenly threw her down to the ground.
"You are such a pest!" He said sitting down on one of the benches. Bulma stood up walking over to him.
"Well so what?! You hardly even know me!" She growled.
"You don't need to know one to figure out that they are annoying." He replied.
She scoffed rolling her eyes. Maybe I am being annoying, maybe I'm being nothing but a spoiled brat right now.maybe I should apologize
She turned to face him. "All right. I'm sorry. I'm grateful for you letting my friend and I stay here. We have no where else to go." Her voice trailed off into a quiet mutter.
"After.our town.burned down.we didn't know what to.do..and we thought we were going to.to." She slowly fell to her knees covering her face within her palms. Vegeta looked at her as she trembled and sobbed. He clenched his hand into a fist upon his thigh.
"It's.It is all right, do not cry. You are safe now." He muttered. Bulma held her self tightly as her light hair covered her tear full eyes.
Chi-Chi suddenly walked into the room holding up her dress. "Bulma..? Bulma what is it? What happened?" She asked with concern. She kneeled down beside Bulma wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
"Bulma? Dear what ever is the matter?" She looked up at Vegeta. "What did you do to her?" She demanded.
Vegeta stood up. "I did nothing to your friend. She has remembered soemthing, and she regretting it right now."
Chi-Chi suddenly looked at Bulma. "Oh.Bulma." She said as tears welled up in her eyes. She tightened her arms around Bulma's body. Vegeta coughed not knowing what to do.
Chi-Chi stood up clutching Bulma to her. "She needs rest. It seems we both need time to recover. Please excuse me." She said flatly. As she walked past Vegeta, he glanced down at the sobbing beauty. Her face filled with fear and shock as if it had happened right there and then.
As soon a they left Goku entered through the door. "Vegeta? What happened?" he asked.
Vegeta scoffed. "Ugh how should I know?!" He growled.
Goku crossed his arms. "Well it doesn't matter any way right now. When are we going?"
Vegeta smiled. "After sunset."
Goku turned his back to him. "I'll be ready by then." He silently walked off.
Bulma rolled over to feel the hot touch of sun on her pale cheek. Sitting up jerking her head around the room. She quickly stood up off the bed. Noticing she still wore her cream white under-dress, she ran into Chi-Chi's room. Her pounding quiet footsteps woke Chi-Chi as she sat up straight. Her eyes opened through the sleep, seeing Bulma standing there breathing hard.
She stretched her arms up and yawned. "Bulma? What is it?" She asked with her groggy voice. Bulma sat down in front of Chi-Chi. "I was so afraid that I would wake up, and I would see myself as.a rotting corpse.." She shivered.
Chi-Chi placed her arms around Bulma warmly. "Bulma.we're alive, those men did not kill us. We must find out who they are. They saved our lives.in a way. We owe them our lives. I think we should show them our gratitude." She said softly.
Bulma looked down. She slowly nodded. "You're right.I bet they're very angry considering how I treated them." Chi-Chi smiled softly. "Well lets go see if they are down there." She said standing up holding Bulma's hand.
They both quickly slipped into their lovely shredded gowns and walked down to the large hallway. Chi-Chi blinked. "This castle has not been cared to for a very long time." Bulma pulled her along down another quiet hallway. Along the wall there were pictures, or large portraits. Lady Chi-Chi suddenly stopped at a certain picture. A sign of de javu crossed her mind. Although the picture had a scar through it, it looked clear. Chi-Chi walked over to a door that lay in the present hallway. "I'll look in here." Bulma walked on. * * *
As Chi-Chi observed the room she came upon a large, purple velvet curtain. She reached her hand up to stroke it. As her hand touched it, she suddenly felt a hand grab the curtain. She quickly turned and gave a gasp. "Oh! Your- Your highness!" She jumped back. "You startled me!" She cried. Vegeta kept his straight look on her eyes. "Get out of this room." He said firmly. Chi-Chi swallowed. She quickly walked out of the room. As she began to walk away, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. She turned face to face with the prince. "Your highness? What have I done now?" She asked with fear.
Vegeta rolled his eyes slightly. "I'll only say this once, that room is forbidden.
Understood? I don't care if you are a guest in my home, I don't allow anyone in there." "I understand.sir." She said turning away. She quickly walked away from him. As she turned the corner she bumped into Bulma.
"Oh! Bulma I am sorry!" She said looking behind her. Bulma sighed. "It's all right Chi-Chi, but what's the hurry?" "I just ran into Prince Vegeta, I seemed to have done something wrong."
Bulma scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. 'Everything gets that prince mad, do not let it bother you Chi-Chi. Come on, I found the kitchen and we can start cooking something." She said leading Chi-Chi toward the kitchen.
Chi-Chi looked from side to side as they walked along the hall. "Bulma, have you noticed that there is not a single sign of pure light in this manor? The only light is candlelight."
Bulma blinked. "Yes I have noticed that. Perhaps they are sensitive to the sun. I have heard that people can be such." She said.
"Ah here we are." They walked into the large empty kitchen filled with pots and pans, dishes, silver wear, a table, and sinks, the fireplace burned as well.
Chi-Chi rolled her sleeves up to each elbow. "Well we better start. We have to make good impression for those young men."
Bulma giggled. "The young men? I was thinking of cooking for myself!" She laughed. Chi-Chi giggled as well. "Well, it is the least we could do. After all they are handsome aren't they?" She blushed.
Bulma's mouth covered in a deep grin as she tied an apron around her waist. "Yes they certainly are."
Chi-Chi leaned up from the sink as she blinked. "Bulma.where did you find that apron?"
Bulma looked down. She gave a slight twirl. "Well I found it in that closet. There must be another one in there as well. I'll get it for you." She said walking toward the closet.
As she pulled it out a small, thin piece of paper fell to the ground. Bulma leaned down picking it up. "Hmm, what is this?"
Chi-Chi took the apron form her looking at the piece of paper. "Perhaps they are ingredients for a certain dinner." Bulma lightly opened up the paper as her eyes traveled from side to side reading the words printed upon it.
She blinked in surprise. "If these are ingredients I am not so sure I am going to like what those men eat here!" She cried handing Chi-Chi the paper.
Chi-Chi read it aloud: Strand of a male's hair The Petal of a rose The Blood of a Female Virgin A Vampire's Drop of Love
Chi-Chi blinked. "My word.this is very strange."
Bulma quickly grabbed it from Chi-Chi's hand. "We do not need this rubbish!" She said throwing the paper into the orange flames.
Chi-Chi opened her mouth in awe. "Bulma!" She quickly bent down to retrieve it, but it was too late, the flames had already eaten the small white object.
"What if that piece of paper was important!?" She cried.
Bulma crossed her arms walking toward the table. "How could a small piece of paper be so important Chi-Chi? I swear you always think the smallest things in this world are the most important."
Chi-Chi stood up tying the apron around her. "Well I'm more careful than you are my dear Bulma."
Bulma growled as she grabbed a broom from the closet. "Oh just start cooking Chi-Chi! And I will clean up and set the table."
As Chi-Chi did what she told, Bulma began to sweep the dust off the floor and off the table. As She bent over to get under the table her sapphire necklace slipped into the middle of her neck. She gave a light gasp gripping it tightly, afraid it would fall off.
Her hand clutched it tightly as she trembled with her tears. Chi-Chi turned from the oven to see Bulma gently sobbing to herself. As she placed the cold dough into the hot palace, she slowly walked over to Bulma placing her hands upon her shoulders.
"Bulma." She began.
Bulma quickly wiped the tears from her face with her wrist. "I am all right, it just the fire. It bothers my eyes." She said sniffling.
Chi-Chi grasped her hands tightly on her shoulder. "Bulma.at least they are safe now. They are not in any danger. Your father and Mother would hate to see you like this."
She gently turned Bulma around to face her. She pulled out a small hanker chief wiping her soaked cheeks dry. "There, there." She said gently.
Bulma smiled gently at Chi-Chi. "Thank you, my dear friend." She said. A loud crack suddenly startled them making them both jump.
Bulma gripped Chi-Chi's arm. "Wh-What was that?!" She cried. Chi-Chi breathed in. "Relax. It was just the fire, it's crackers keep cracking, trying to scare us." She joked. Bulma smiled. She bent down and picked up the fire pointer. As she poked at the fire, she heard footsteps approach the kitchen. She stood up looking to the doorway. Appearing there, was the young man who had been with Prince Vegeta.
Bulma gave a slight blush as to see him wearing his pale white shirt hanging open sharing his bare chest, with his tight black pants holding to his skin. His boots made a sliding noise as he dragged one foot across the other.
Chi-Chi turned from the stove to the door. "Oh.hello.sir." She said with a curtsy.
He grinned. "No need, for the formalities. Goku is just fine. Or if you insist on being exactly like his highness, it would be Kakarot."
Chi-Chi swallowed. "Uh.all right, Sir Goku." She said.
Goku chuckled as he looked at her then Bulma. "Did you two sleep well?" he asked his hands resting on both sides of the door.
Bulma walked over to the table pulling out a chair. "No.we didn't, but thank you for asking."
Goku gave a nod. He started to sniff the air. "Well, something smells awfully good." He looked upon the back of Chi-Chi. "What is that appetizing smell?" He asked.
Chi-Chi turned to him. "It is Bleached biscuits Sir Goku. I have been making them since I was a little girl."
Goku walked in seating himself down. "I told you just Goku is fine. And I'm sure that if you have been making that food for that long then it will taste spectacular."
Chi-Chi covered the redness in her cheeks. "Oh.why thank you." She smiled.
Bulma looked at Goku. "Tell me Goku, where is that prince of yours?"
"Vegeta should be down soon. We both tend to have the same appetite." He said dragging his tongue across his lips.
Bulma nodded. "uh huh. Well Goku, you seem to have no light in here what so ever. Why is that?" She asked leaning forward.
"We are sensitive to the sun." He said flatly yet quickly.
"Do you ever have any company here?"
"You're company aren't you?" He asked back.
"Yes, but do you ever have any parties here?"
"No, we never have anything like that here. There is no one to invite."
Chi-Chi turned to the table placing the hot crispy biscuits down in front of them. Bulma turned her head. "Well then, invite your girls. You do have girls don't you?" She asked leaning in closer.
Goku opened his mouth to reply.
"Do you always stick your nose into other people's business?" said a grouchy voice. Bulma turned to see Vegeta standing there leaning against the doorway. "Well, well, Prince Charming has awaken, now we can all crouch in fear." She grinned.
Vegeta gave a snarl as he walked to the table. "Don't give me that kind of attack woman, I am no mood. You should just be so lucky that I have let you stay here. I could've thrown you out yesterday in the pouring rain and you would've been eaten alive by wild, hungry animals."
Chi-Chi gulped. Goku laughed placing his hand upon Vegeta's shoulder. "Vegeta there is no need to be so grouchy, these ladies have made breakfast for us, and they have cleaned up the kitchen."
Vegeta scowled. "Ah, who cares? Tell this whore right here, to watch her mouth in the presence of royalty."
Bulma suddenly looked down with a growl.
Chi-Chi backed away in fear. "Bu-Bulma.?" She quivered.
Goku blinked. "Hmm.Well that can't be good, the way she's shaking like that."
Bulma looked up at him with glare that spelled death. "Me? A whore? You are the one who kissed me last night trying to keep me silent. There are other ways you know!" She growled standing up. As she stomped out Vegeta walked after her. He quickly caught up with her.
"Where in the world do you think you're going?!" He asked.
She looked straightforward with anger. "Anywhere but in this hell house!"
As she passed each doorway she suddenly stopped. She looked to her right to see a beautiful garden room, filled with flowers, and a giant water fountain. She slowly walked into the room ignoring Vegeta's growls.
Vegeta suddenly grabbed her arm. "Hey! Are you listening to me?!" He yelled.
Bulma spun around toward him. She blinked in surprise. "Let.go.of.me." She growled.
"I will do no such thing, until you ask for forgiveness from me." He grinned. Bulma suddenly laughed. "Me? Ask for forgiveness? From you?" She began to laugh harder. Vegeta suddenly threw her down to the ground.
"You are such a pest!" He said sitting down on one of the benches. Bulma stood up walking over to him.
"Well so what?! You hardly even know me!" She growled.
"You don't need to know one to figure out that they are annoying." He replied.
She scoffed rolling her eyes. Maybe I am being annoying, maybe I'm being nothing but a spoiled brat right now.maybe I should apologize
She turned to face him. "All right. I'm sorry. I'm grateful for you letting my friend and I stay here. We have no where else to go." Her voice trailed off into a quiet mutter.
"After.our town.burned down.we didn't know what to.do..and we thought we were going to.to." She slowly fell to her knees covering her face within her palms. Vegeta looked at her as she trembled and sobbed. He clenched his hand into a fist upon his thigh.
"It's.It is all right, do not cry. You are safe now." He muttered. Bulma held her self tightly as her light hair covered her tear full eyes.
Chi-Chi suddenly walked into the room holding up her dress. "Bulma..? Bulma what is it? What happened?" She asked with concern. She kneeled down beside Bulma wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
"Bulma? Dear what ever is the matter?" She looked up at Vegeta. "What did you do to her?" She demanded.
Vegeta stood up. "I did nothing to your friend. She has remembered soemthing, and she regretting it right now."
Chi-Chi suddenly looked at Bulma. "Oh.Bulma." She said as tears welled up in her eyes. She tightened her arms around Bulma's body. Vegeta coughed not knowing what to do.
Chi-Chi stood up clutching Bulma to her. "She needs rest. It seems we both need time to recover. Please excuse me." She said flatly. As she walked past Vegeta, he glanced down at the sobbing beauty. Her face filled with fear and shock as if it had happened right there and then.
As soon a they left Goku entered through the door. "Vegeta? What happened?" he asked.
Vegeta scoffed. "Ugh how should I know?!" He growled.
Goku crossed his arms. "Well it doesn't matter any way right now. When are we going?"
Vegeta smiled. "After sunset."
Goku turned his back to him. "I'll be ready by then." He silently walked off.