Title:  A Match Made In.. Heaven?
Author:  Eisha
Chapter Summary:
  Vejita and ChiChi meet for the first time.  A welcome party has been constructed for the Princess.  Surprises ensue.  [ a  ChiChi-centric chapter ]
Pairings:  Slight V/C.
Warnings:  None.

..._--_...

A Match Made In.. Heaven?

Every Cloud Has Its Silver Lining

..._--_...

"BEEP BEEP BEEP!"  The alarm clock hissed over and over, trying to wake the rumpled form entangled in silk bed sheets.  After a minute of the incessant whine, an elegant hand reached over to the side table, and proceeded to pound at the clock until the buzz stopped.  Finally, the scrap of plastic died down and Princess ChiChi groaned loudly.  She had hoped she wouldn't wake up this morning.  Today, she was to meet the Prince of Vejita-sei.  'Why couldn't I say asleep?  I should pretend to be sick.  I can go make myself vomit.  Anything to not meet him!'  But alas, her plans were cut short as her assistant came through her bedroom door.

"It's time to get up Miss ChiChi!  You will be leaving for Vejita-sei in an hour.  Your father also said that if you are ill, he will have the Prince come to Chikyuu.  Up up!"  Yohra's cheery voice broke through the silence of the princess's room as she shook ChiChi softly.  When the young girl did not move, Yohra smirked slightly and whispered into her ear.  "If you do not wake, I will have no choice but to send a guard to pick you out of bed."  This got the princess moving.

"I'm up, I'm up!"  ChiChi jumped out of bed and ran into an adjoining bathroom, slamming the door behind her.  Yohra chuckled and leaned over to an intercom to call for ChiChi's servants.

An hour later, a grumbling princess was deposited into a spacecraft, and the royal family of Chikyuu made their way to Vejita-sei.

…_--_...

'Where in Kami's name is this damn princess?'  Vejita stood annoyed, staring out of a large picture window overlooking the royal gardens.  As he looked outside, he longed to be anywhere but in this stifling room.  He had been shoved into the palace greeting room and told to await the arrival of his fiancé.  But as the minutes ticked away, he wondered how much longer it would take for her to arrive.  'She must be doing her makeup.  Feh, blasted women.'  He contemplating flying out of the window, but the thought was pushed away as he heard the door open, the sound of footsteps entering, a woman's voice quietly protesting, and the heavy oak door being slammed shut once more.  He did not turn around, but instead greeted his guest.

"It took you long enough."  This incited a stifled groan.

There was quiet for a moment, until the princess spoke.  "Am I not allowed to look into the face of my fiancé?  Or should I stare at your back for the rest of our engagement?"  A sharp voice spoke in Vejita's native tongue, and he smirked.  'So… she has fire.'

He now turned, and looked upon the black-haired woman standing before him in a stiff, formal bow as she had been taught to do.  He, in return, bowed slightly in respect for fellow royalty.  "You may rise."  ChiChi bit back a response to the command, and did as was asked of her.

Black and black clashed for the first time as the prince and princess stared upon each other.  ChiChi's eyes roamed over him quickly, hiding her surprise at how handsome the man before her was.  From the tips of his jagged hair to the toes of his Saiyajin boots, he deserved every inch of the compliments he received.  He was easily one of the most good-looking men that she had ever seen.

Vejita was content with the princess's beauty as well.  'Well well well… Father didn't lie about her looks after all.  She's quite beautiful.'  As he gazed at her onyx eyes and dark locks, he was shocked at how Saiyajin she looked.  Her hair had been put up elaborately, and her dress was one of her native country of Japan.  The dark red silk kimono clung to each of her curves, while still presenting a demure air.  He shook his head quickly to clear himself of the path his thoughts were heading.  She could quite easily blend in with his people, which reassured him in a sense.

It was then that ChiChi realized the extent that she was staring at Vejita, and she quickly hid the fine blush that was creeping up to her cheeks.  She bowed quickly again, and uttered a phrase in Saiya-go.  "I am pleased to meet you, my Prince."

He almost grunted in response, but caught himself when he realized that this human had been speaking to him in his language.  She had only been tutored for a month and had already learned the tongue?  He quickly replied and said, "You are able to speak Saiya-go?"  ChiChi looked to him with an apologetic smile and said, "Somewhat.  I know only half of it."

He nodded and switched to Japanese.  "It's alright.  I am able to speak the Chikyuu language."  He turned back towards the window, not knowing what else to say to his future bride.

ChiChi was left with the uncomfortable silence, and she sighed.  She spied a chair close to her, and moved to sit down.  In an unprincess-like position, she crossed her legs and rested her head upon her hand.  "What are we going to do now?" she uttered softly.  Vejita picked up the sound, and responded to her.  "I don't know."  Suddenly, a smirk crossed his face and he continued speaking.  If she was going to be his wife, there was one thing she must be able to do.  "I'm wondering how I'm going to stand looking at your face for the rest of my life."

The princess's head shot up and a fire lit in her eyes.  This time, she could not bite back the sharp response.  "If anything, it should be relatively easy compared to what I'm going to go through with your hideous looks."

Vejita turned back towards ChiChi.  The two glared at each other for a long moment, until their mouths shifted into mirrored smirks.

'Maybe this won't be so bad afterall.'

…_--_...

A day had passed quickly since ChiChi's arrival on Vejita-sei.  On this night, there had been a ball planned for her welcoming.  Decorators had been leaping through the castle, trying to get it ready quickly.  Finally, the sun had set and the stars began twinkling in the black sky.  The princess paid no mind to this as she sat before her dresser, staring at her reflection.  She indeed did look beautiful-–her maids had done a wonderful job--and every bit the princess she was supposed to be.

Her long black tresses had been pulled back into an elegant concoction, with curled strands delicately falling here and there.  A touch of rouge had been applied to her flawless skin, though her natural beauty needed no enhancement from makeup.  Her body had been adorned in a deep emerald gown, clinging to every curve, and the silver crown marking her birthright lay atop her head.  But her mind was scrutinizing every detail of her physicality as well as personality.

'Princess ChiChi Maou… Queen ChiChi Vejita… oh Kami, will I be a good enough queen?  What if I lead my people wrong?  What if I'm not good enough for them… for Chikyuu or Vejita-sei… for Vejita?'

She couldn't help her thoughts.  They flowed through her mind at such an astonishing pace that she could barely keep track of them.  But they ended up on one thought, as always—Kakkarot.  'I wasn't good enough for him.  How can I be a good enough queen?'  She sighed and looked deeply into the mirror again.  Suddenly, she had a revelation.  An astounding plan had just come to her, and determination began filling her eyes.  'If I'm not good enough, then I will just have to make myself good enough.  For the planets, the people, Vejita… but if only Kakkarot.'

ChiChi did not stop her thoughts of him, but rather let her mind free.  Perhaps this way, she would finally move on.  But a voice sliced through her reverie.

"Your Highness!  The party has begun and it is time for your entrance.  Come now please."

"Very well."  ChiChi rose and followed the maid out of the door.  To her retreating back, the mirror showed a new image than the one she had been looking at.  A princess had turned into a human in need of growth—and that growth would come to her in the months to come.  No longer was ChiChi a princess, but a queen to come.

…_--_...

The great hall of the palace was crowded with nobles and dignitaries of Vejita-sei, as well as reporters.  This was, of course, an important night for Vejita-sei.  No one wanted to miss a moment, and those who were not fortunate enough to take part in the event settled for viewing it on television within the comfort of their homes.  At this time, both Vejitas of the royal family were positioned at the balcony overlooking the grand room, at the foot of an elegant velvet staircase.

"Are you ready son?"  King Vejita looked down slightly at his namesake.  As always, there was a frown carved into his face, but this night the young Prince seemed somewhat content.

"Of course I'm ready.  It's just a ball, after all."  Vejita murmured, his mind elsewhere.

"It's not just a ball.  Tonight, you will be presenting your fiancé to the rest of your planet.  This will be an important step in your engagement.  When you visit Chikyuu, there will be an induction of a similar sort."

"How hard can it be?  Leading the girl down the staircase and dancing with her a few times doesn't seem like such an impossible task."

"You are aware that you will be introducing her to the nobles of Vejita-sei, ne?"  The King cast a sidelong glance to his son, gauging his reaction.  But if the Prince had anything to retort, he did not have time to.  The royal trumpets sounded, making everyone in the ballroom aware that attention should be directed to the royal family.

The King cleared his throat and turned to address his people.  "Citizens of Vejita-sei, welcome to my palace.  As you may be aware, tonight is one of the most important gatherings on the planet.  Tonight, you will all be introduced to Princess ChiChi of Chikyuu, daughter of King Maou of Chikyuu.  She will be the newest addition to our family, as my son Vejita's betrothed.  She comes to us in great strength and will, with an amazing intelligence.  She will be a great aid to Vejita-sei in the coming years.  I look forward to the prosperity that I am sure she will bring."

Here there was a short rapping at the wooden door atop the balcony.  The elder Vejita glanced behind his shoulder for a moment to nod at two guards stationed at the door, and then turned back with a smile upon his face.  "And now, may I present to you, Princess ChiChi Maou."  The grand entrance was opened with ease, and the crowd watched with baited breath to see their future queen.

With a tall back, kind smile, and glittering eyes, ChiChi stepped onto the scarlet carpeting.  She stopped for a moment to peer out into the gathered crowd, and her heart skipped a beat.  But duty tugged at her mind, and she knew to be confident.  'Kami, give me strength.'  Silently whispering the prayer, she continued her journey downward towards the Prince.

Upon reaching each other, their eyes met, much like their first meeting.  They bowed slightly, in respect for their titles, and rose once more.  Vejita held out his arm for his fiancé, and with ChiChi holding onto the crook of his elbow, they made their way down the elegant staircase.  The orchestra had struck up a beautiful melody, and the center of the floor was cleared for the two young royalty.  It was tradition on Vejita-sei, and for years past, that when a royal member was given an introduction of sorts of the country, the two betrothed would share the first dance. 

Once upon the wooden floor, they separated, but joined again in a different position.  Vejita's arm lay wound around her waist, while ChiChi rested her hand upon his broad shoulder.  Their fingers were intertwined in the air, and their waltz began.  They moved fluidly and with grace around the dance floor, from many years of ballroom lessons and a natural poise born into them.

As the song played on, the crowd was in awe at how beautiful the young royalty looked together.  With their bodies flowing as one, they looked like they were simply… meant for each other.

…_--_...

ChiChi smiled politely as she disentangled herself from yet another noble's arms.  She looked apologetic towards him as she explained that she "needed to rest her lungs for a moment".

"Very well Princess.  And I must say, you are an excellent dancer.  We shall have to do it again at another time."  The sandy-haired man leaned down and brushed his lips against the top of her hand, before leaving her to rest.

"Tired of the dancing already?"  Vejita's voice spoke behind her.  She turned and greeted him with a slight smile.

"I see that the ladies haven't shied away from you either, Prince."  At this, she received a frown, widening her smile further.  "It seems as though we both need a break."

Vejita let out an inaudible sigh and his eyes stared out into an unknown distance.  "I still need to meet with other dignitaries.  But you, of course, can step out into the gardens, if you so desire to be alone for a few moments."  He pointed her in the direction she needed to head to.  "Don't stay away too long though.  Someone is bound to search for you."  He stepped away, and with a final look, Vejita disappeared into the sea of chattering aristocrats.

ChiChi quickly moved out of the suffocating ballroom into the cool air of the hallway.  Remembering the Prince's words, she followed the winding hallways until she reached the gardens.

She contained a gasp of awe.  The gardens were simply magnificent.  Exotic flowers from different portions of the galaxy were sprinkled around a marble walkway, and tall hedges promised no obtrusive views from the outside world.  Beautiful stone fountains and statues were littered throughout, as soft lights grazed the landscaping. 

ChiChi wandered the gardens for a few minutes, viewing the beauty that was offered to her.  As she stopped upon a bed of blood red flowers, she realized that these were roses from her home planet.  'Kakkarot gave me these once…' 

She rapped her head slightly with her fingers, mentally scolding herself.  Here she was, surrounded by magnificent greenery, and all she could do was dwell upon the past continuingly. 

There was a bench near to the roses, and ChiChi took a seat.  Her feet had begun ache as a result of consistent dancing and walking.  Sliding her eyes shut, she picked up the faint music coming from the palace.  Humming along to the familiar tune, a content smile spread across her face.  If only she always had a place such as this to escape life…

"Ahem."  The deep, rumbling voice came from next to her, and startled her greatly.  She head whipped around, trying to find who had spoken to her.

"You shouldn't be out here alone, Princess." 

"Who's there?"  ChiChi called out, growing agitated.  'Such a familiar voice…' 

The unseen intruder stepped out into the light, and ChiChi gasped.  All color drained from her face as she raised a hand to her trembling lips.

"Ka… Kakkarot?"

…_--_...

Mwahahaha.  I love cliffhangers; don't you guys?  ^_~  Fun fun fun.  Anyway, apologies for taking such a long time to get this chapter out.  I'll spare you a long list of why it took me forever and a day, and leave you with one word: school. 

Thank you to everyone who've stuck with this story, despite my inconsistent updating.  Now that I'm settled in [or as best as I can at the moment] with school and such, I'll make more of an effort to update more often.  I'll also try to get out another chapter while I'm on Christmas break.

Well... until the next one, take care!
-Eisha

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Thank you to those who reviewed the last time around.  [ Birdee | The Flying Pen (x5… ^_^) | Secretsguirl | Val | i won't tell | RM | Kahlan Nightwing | Polka Dot | Spitfire Maguire | Lady Nightshade (x2) | Anonymous ]  You guys are my motivators.  Apparently I'm doing something right, so I'll try to keep it interesting for everyone.  Thanks once more, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!