Sanzorella

Chapter 3

"Goku?" Sanzorella repeated the name. What kind of name is that?

"Ne…Sanzorella, are you sure you don't want any buns?" Goku asked, tilting her head slightly as if imploring.

When Sanzorella shook her head, Goku put on a dejected face. "Sigh, oh well." Then her face suddenly brightened. "Since you don't want these buns, don't mind if I do. Itadakimassu!"

As if by an invisible force, Sanzorella reached out for the ash tray on the table and whacked it on Goku's head. "Baka saru!" she yelled.

"Itte! Nani sun dayo?" Goku cried out, rubbing her head.

"Eh…" Why did I do that for? It's strange but it's as if some kind of reflex reaction. "Serves you right!" Sanzorella said out loud instead.

"Chh…"Goku pouted. She stood up straight and looked directly at Sanzorella. "Are you sure you don't need anything from me?"

Sigh, this can go on forever. "I really do not…"Suddenly, Sanzorella stopped. A brilliant idea just came over her. "Forget what I said earlier. I do need something!"

Goku smiled widely. "Ah, I knew it. Ok, tell me!"

Sanzorella stood up and said with great conviction. "I want to go to the ball!"

Twenty minutes later, Sanzorella was standing in front of the full-body mirror, provided by the fairy godmother. She looked so different. Her golden blond hair was shinier than ever, with small pink flowers inserted in between the tresses. Her face was cleaned from soot and dirt and her violet eyes seemed to sparkle with life. Her usual rag garb was replaced by a pure silk, amethyst-colored gown and complemented with a pair of elbow length white lace gloves. A pair of glass slippers was the finale.

I look like a girl!

"Sanzorella….are you ok?" Goku asked while munching on a bun.

Sanzorella felt her hands itching to get hold of something and sent it smacking down Goku's head. "Why are there flowers in my hair? Remove them or I'll kill you!"

"But the flowers look nice in your hair…" Goku insisted.

"Remove them!" Sanzorella ordered.

"Chh…you are so mean. Niyoyi staff…"Goku called out her magic staff. She then twirled the staff and blessed it upon Sanzorella's head. Immediately, the flowers disappeared and her blond hair was swept back stylishly.

"Better now?"

Sanzorella did not answer. Her eyes were fixed to the door. She was rearing to go.

"Chh…no sense of gratitude! Fine, fine…go on. There's a white carriage outside." As Sanzorella turned to walk, Goku stopped her. "Matte! You must be home by 12 as that is when the spell goes off. Remember!"

"Whatever," Sanzorella mumbled under her breath and quickly walked out.

As promised, there was a white carriage waiting outside with a footman and a driver. The white carriage looked unique as it was in the shape of a dragon. The driver was a stout male with orange hair and wide green eyes, who looked so much like Goku. The footman was a tall guy with weird markings on his forehead and the bridge of his nose. He stepped forward to Sanzorella and offered his hand, to which Sanzorella reluctantly accepted.

"Evening, Miss Sanzorella. My name's Dokugakuji and that fellow over there is called Lirin. This is the beautiful carriage Hakuuryu, one of the finest ever made in the world. We will be at your service till 12 pm tonight."

Sanzorella did not say anything and merely followed Dokugakuji's lead to the white carriage Hakuuryu. They then set off to Chang-An Palace.

King Kougaiji and Queen Yaone were looking anxiously at their son, the Crown Prince Hakkai. Right now, he was dancing with a stunning woman dressed in a maroon gown. Prince Hakkai had been so nice, entertaining every woman in the room. That was just so like him.

"Yaone dear…I worry for our son. At this rate, he might even accept all the girls as his wife, er, wives," King Kougaiji said, looking at his beloved wife.

Queen Yaone sighed. "Maybe the ball isn't such a good idea, ne? We should have known Hakkai would never turn down anyone, especially women. It was too bad Kanan passed away too soon. This is Hakkai's way of making up for his 'supposed' lack of attention for Kanan."

"You're right. But this red vixen is stunning, ne?"

Queen Yaone smiled slightly….

"Your Highness dances well. But I'm more impressed with your handling. You're so gentle," Lady Gojyo purred.

Prince Hakkai merely smiled. He must admit, this lady was stunning indeed. He had never seen such fiery red eyes. But she was a bit too tall for his taste. Ah, no matter. It was not as if he was really going to find a bride. He was merely entertaining his parents' wishes to hold a grand ball. He may have gotten over the loss of Kanan but he was not ready to fall in love again.

"….beautiful," Lady Gojyo was saying.

Prince Hakkai shook his head, trying to clear all thoughts. He should just relax. "Sumimasen, Lady Gojyo, but what were you saying?"

Lady Gojyo faked a surprise gasp. "You are so mean, not hearing me out," she drawled. Seeing Prince Hakkai smiled apologetically, she batted her eyelashes and opened her mouth but was interrupted by a trumpet player. It means that there were other guests coming in, though the event was already halfway through.

Prince Hakkai let go of his hands from Lady Gojyo and looked towards the entrance staircase. He had to be respectful of his guests, no matter how late they were.

Hushed whispers floated through the ball room as everybody waited for the late guest(s) to show up. Lady Gojyo was busy fanning herself with a red lace fan, looking bored.

A young woman in amethyst-colored gown stepped through the doorway and stood still at the top of staircase. Immediately silence befell on the room. Prince Hakkai could not take his eyes off the beautiful creature that just walked in. Beside him, Lady Gojyo was frowning.

~ Continue ~