Chapter 5: Authors note (Sorry I haven't been updating much. I've had exams so I've been very busy. However I have now finished exams so I should be able to get the rest of the chapters typed and up fairly quickly. Which is good news to anyone who is enjoying it. I'd like to say thank you to all those who have read and reviewed my story. Especially those who have reviewed more than once. I'm glade to see people are enjoying reading it, as I am rather enjoying writing it. Keep up the reviews and I'll keep up the story ^_~)
Juunanagou, Goku and Bulma wander down a hallway lit with torches mounted upon the walls. The hallway is lined with a row of statues, on either side, wearing the strangest armour Bulma has ever seen. She sticks close to her guides and glances about as Juunanagou rambles off the history of the castle and the particular pieces of armour that line that particular hall.
"This is the masters rather extensive collection of armour. Amongst it are some very rare pieces dating back far beyond the castles own construction" Goku becomes distracted by a picture who's eyes he believes are following him. He stands in front of the picture jumping from left to right.
"Hey! Juunanagou, look at this picture. It's eyes follow you round the room" Goku runs round in a circle in front of the picture as Juunanagou turns to see what he's yelling about. Juunanagou rolls his eyes and turns his attention back to lecturing Bulma.
"Now over here we have…" his eyes dart nervously back and fourth as he realises their group is a girl short. He turns to the left to see Bulma climbing a flight of grand stairs. His eyes widen and he darts after her "Goku!"
"Huh?" Goku turns around to see Juunanagou racing to catch up with Bulma who is climbing the grand staircase. Goku rushes to catch up with them. Due to their superior speed Juunanagou and Goku intercept Bulma about halfway up the flight of stairs. They stand in front of her with their arms out, blocking her path.
"What's up there?" Bulma asks while leaning to the side, trying to see past them.
"Where? Up there? Nothing. Absolutely nothing of interest at all in the West Wing. Dusty, dull, very boring" Goku says while nodding vigorously.
"Oh, so that's the West Wing" Bulma again tries to see past them
"Nice going" Juunanagou mumbles to Goku. Goku just stands there with a look that says 'oops' on his face.
"I wonder what he's hiding up there"
"Hiding? The master is hiding nothing!" Juunanagou insists, trying to convince Bulma that it's not worth going up there.
"Then it wouldn't be forbidden" She says smugly before stepping around them and continuing up the stairs. She climbs a further two steps before her path is blocked by Juunanagou and Goku again.
"Umm, would you like to see something else? We have a great kitchen!" Goku chips in trying to dissuade her.
"Maybe later" Bulma says as she tries to duck around them again. However, once again they jump in front of her to block her path. Bulma, annoyed, places her hands on her hips.
"The gardens, or the library perhaps?" Juunanagou says quickly.
"You have a library?" Bulma says sounding excited.
"Oh yes! Indeed!" Juunanagou says eagerly, happy that he's got Bulma's attention off the West Wing.
"With books!" Goku adds. Juunanagou rolls his eyes.
"Gads of books!" Juunanagou says trying to make up for Goku's stupidity.
"Mountains of books!" Goku says while leaping into the air.
"Forests of books!" Juunanagou and Goku begin to lead Bulma down the stairs and towards the library.
"Cascades…"
"…of books!"
"Swamps of books!"
"More books than you'll ever be able to read in a lifetime! Books on every subject ever studied, by every author who ever set pen to paper..." Juuanangou's voice fades as Goku and him pass round a corner. Bulma, who was following them, turns back towards the stairs leading to the West Wing. Curiosity gets the better of her and she runs quickly up the stairs and out of sight. She grins, very proud of herself for being able to slip past her 'guards'. She follows the hall as it bends round to the left. The hallway darkens as she makes her way further down it. Dark and strange statues peer at her from either side with lifeless eyes. Her grin slowly fades and she begins to feel uneasy. On her left she passes a mirror that has been smashed. Obviously by a fist slammed with great force into it's centre, judging by the pattern of cracks. As Bulma peers at it her worried expression is reflected back at her by each piece of the mirror. She gasps, having not been aware of her own growing fear. She turns from the mirror and continues walking. As she reaches the end of the hallway she is confronted by a huge wooden double-door with golden handles in the shape of hideous gargoyles. She takes a deep breath, tucks a strand of aqua-green hair that has fallen from her ponytail behind her ear and places a hand on one of the handles. She slowly pulls the door open and steps into the gloom. She blinks several times till her eyes adjust to the darkness. She slowly begins to explore the room. Wide-eyed and mouth open she turns as she walks to glance at a torn curtain hanging from a cracked four-post bed frame. She stumbles into a small table, knocking it over. Luckily she is quick enough to grab it before it falls. She stands it back up and upon doing so her attention is drawn to a shredded portrait hanging on the wall above a fireplace. She walks over to it and squints at it as if trying to work out who it is. She reaches a hand up and pulls a piece of it that is hanging down up into is original position. The portrait, although still ripped in many places, is for the most part complete. A puzzled look crosses her face as she looks up at a proud man with a handsome face and eyes that she's sure she's seen somewhere before. Suddenly she drops the piece of canvas she was holding up and it falls back down, her attention is drawn to the glowing rose inside it's bell-shaped glass case sitting on the table by the window. She walks over to it, her eyes transfixed. The little table has a beautiful white cloth draped over it. The glow emitted by the rose lights the area around it. Bulma steps up along side the table and reaches out towards the bell jar coving the rose. She takes it in both hand and lifts it up over the top of the rose, leaving the rose unprotected. She places the glass bell jar on the table next to the rose. She then reaches up to brush the annoying piece of hair that keeps falling out of place behind her ear again. As she gazes at the rose she slowly reaches a tentative hand out to touch it. Just as she is about to touch the precious rose a shadow looms over her. Unknown to her Vegeta had been out on the balcony and upon turning around he witnesses her about to touch the rose and destroy his chances of being normal again. He leaps into the room, picks the bell jar up from the table and slams it back down over the rose. Bulma, luckily, pulls her hand out of the way just in time. She looks at him with fright. He then turns his head towards her and growls.
"Why did you come here?"
"I'm sorry" Bulma says, her voice filled with fright as she backs away from the beast before her.
"I warned you never to come here!" Vegeta growls louder as he advances on her.
"I didn't mean any harm" Bulmas voice shakes with fright as she continues backing ways from him.
"Do you realize what you could have done!?!" Vegeta roars at her as he sends a small table crashing into the wall with a single swipe.
"Please, stop! No!"
"Get out!!! GET OUT!!!" Vegeta roars at her in absolute furry while taking a swipe at her.
Bulma turns and flees the room. As Vegeta watches her form disappearing down the hallway his anger subsides. He then hangs his head and his shoulders slump. He falls into despair, realising that he has destroyed his chances with Bulma.
Bulma runs as fast as she can from the room containing the beautiful rose and monstrous beast. She races down the stairs and down another hallway till she comes to the main staircase. She races down this even faster. Wanting nothing more then to get as far from the castle as possible. As she races down the main entrance hall she runs past Juunanagou and Goku who came running when the heard the yelling. She grabs her cloak from the hanger by the door and wraps it round her. Both Juunanagou and Goku look very confused.
"Wh-where are you going?" Goku asks, concerned
"Promise or no promise, I can't stay here another minute!" Bulma says as tears begin to run down her cheeks.
"Oh no, wait, please wait!" Juunanagou yells out to her as she opens the door and steps out into the freezing cold. Goku is about to say something but she slams the door in his face. Both Juunanagou and Goku lower their head in sadness.
Bulma runs down the long stone pathway towards the great iron gates. She pulls her cloak round her tighter as snow swirls about her. Tien comes running from the stables he had been kept in. Bulma climbs up upon his back. Tien rears up and kicks the gates open with his front legs. As soon as his front hooves touch the snow covered stone he gallops off, away from the castle and it's inhabitants. They ride at full speed through the forest, the thick snowdrifts slowing their progress. Suddenly Bulma looks behind her as a pack of growling wolves emerges from the trees. She gasps and urges Tien to move faster. Tien runs from side to side causing the wolves following him to run into trees as the follow. He gallops out onto a frozen pond but the ice cracks under their weight. Tien and Bulma plunge into the icy water and the wolves leap in after them. Some of the wolves paddles helplessly, unable to keep their heads up a few drown. Tien struggles to the ponds edge and rises up out of it. Dripping wet the two ride into a clearing only to fine themselves surrounded by the rest of the pack who ran around the edge of the pond. Tien bucks in fright throwing Bulma off his back and wrapping the reins around a tree branch above his head. The wolves begin to attack Tien, leaping at him. He kicks a few off them away with his powerful hind legs before they are able to harm him. Bulma is quick to come to his rescue. She rips a small branch from a tree and beats the wolves off with it. Bulma stands full of fear in front of Tien, protecting him. Another wolf leaps at the, She hits it with the stick but the wolf catches it in his mouth and snap it in half with it's powerful jaws. Bulma screams as the wolf grabs her cloak in its jaws and pulls her to the ground. Bulma looks up as another wolf leaps into the air, jaws wide displaying razor sharp teeth. She screams but the wolf is caught in mid-air by the powerful arm of, Vegeta. He tosses the wolf aside. He then stands over Bulma in a protective gesture and roars loudly at the wolves before him. The pack advances on this new prey and attacks. Vegeta throws wolves left and right, all the while making sure not to hit Bulma or Tien or allow the wolves to harm them. One wolf leaps onto Vegetas back and tears his shoulder open. Blood begins to run down his arm but he continues to fight. Bulma stares in shock at him as he battles onwards. The other wolves attack all at once at the smell of blood. Vegeta madly throws them from him. He grabs one and tosses it at a tree. It hits and slumps to the ground. The other wolves look from their unconscious pack leader to the growling beast before them. They yelp and run off in fear. Vegeta turns towards Bulma as blood pour from his wounded arm. He looks despairingly at her before collapsing into the snow. Bulma, grateful to be alive, turns back to Tien and begins to climb back into the saddle. However her conscience takes over and she turns back to look at Vegetas still form. She walks over to him and looks sadly down at him. She then removes her cloak and drapes it over him. Tien walks over to her and nudges her arm with his muzzle. She gently strokes him before standing up. With Tiens help she then pulls Vegeta up onto his back. She then takes the reins and walking along side Tien leads him back to the castle.
When they arrive back she leads Tien into the stables while Vegeta's servants carry him into the castle. Bulma smiles weakly at Tien before entering the castle. She follows the sounds of fussing floating down the echoing halls. She arrives at the door to the Den. Just before entering she hears Vegeta's gruff voice complaining about being looked after. Bulma opens the door and walks in. ChiChi smiles at her before disappearing out the door. Bulma walks round the large chair that Vegeta is sitting in till she is in front of him, between him and the fireplace. A warm fire glows at her back as she sits down. Vegeta attempts a subtle glance in her direction but Bulma catches it, she pretends not to notice though. ChiChi walks back in carrying a bowl of steaming hot water and a towel.
"Here, let me" Bulma says smiling as she takes the bowl and towel from ChiChi before sitting back down in front of Vegeta. ChiChi casts a sidelong glance at the other servants before joining them. Vegeta, sick of being waited upon begins to lick at the wound on his arm. Bulma reaches out to him.
"Here now. Oh, don't do that"
Vegeta growls lightly at her as she tries to clean his wound with the rag.
"Just…hold still" She says while further trying to dab at his wound. She manages to touch the towel to his wound and he roars in pain. All the servants jump back and cower together, fearful for what he will do to Bulma.
"That hurts!" He yells at her.
"If you'd hold still, it wouldn't hurt as much!" She yells back stubbornly.
"Well if you hadn't run away, this wouldn't have happened!" He says indicating towards his wounded arm.
"Well if you hadn't frightened me, I wouldn't have run away!"
Vegeta opens his mouth to respond but has to stop to think of a good come back.
"Well you shouldn't have been in the West Wing!" He says somewhat triumphantly.
"Well you should learn to control your temper!" Bulma states the obvious.
Vegeta raises his hand to bring out another point, but finds he has none, so he bows his head down again. He looks frustrated. The servants slowly become more at ease as they see that perhaps Bulma has tamed the ferocious temper of there master. Bulma gulps and extends the wet towel towards Vegeta's wounded arm.
"Now hold still. This might sting a little" She gently touches the rag to his wound. He gives a surprised grunt then grits his teeth against the pain. "By the way, thank you, for saving my life" Bulma says tenderly. Vegetas eyes snap open in surprise. He then turns his head towards her and looks her in the eye
"Don't mention it." He mutters before turning away again. Bulma smiles to herself and continues to clean his wound.
* * *
Back in the tiny town where Bulma normally resides Yumcha, Krillin and a sinister looking old man sit around a table in the empty tavern.
"I'm glade you were able to meet me with such little notice Dr. Gero" Yumcha grins wickedly at the sinister old man before him.
"I don't usually leave the asylum in the middle of the night, but they said you'd make it worth my while" Dr. Gero says while folding his figures together on the table in front of him. Yumcha pulls out a sack of gold and tosses it in front of Dr. Gero. He takes out a piece, scrapes it on his chin and continues. "Aah, I'm listening"
"It's like this. I've got my heart set on marrying Bulma, but she needs a little persuasion." Yumcha explains while leaning across the table.
"Turned him down flat!" Krillin says, butting in. Yumcha slams a beer mug over Krillins head before returning his attentions back to his conversation with Dr. Gero.
"Everyone knows her father's a lunatic. He was in here tonight raving about a beast in a castle..."
"Dr. Briefs is harmless" Dr. Gero adds.
"The point is, Bulma would do anything to keep him from being locked up." Yumcha says grinning.
"Yeah, even marry him!" Krillin pipes up. Yumcha raises a hand to hit him but he hides under the beer mug that was slammed on his head before.
"So you want me to throw her father in the asylum unless she agrees to marry you? Oh, that is despicable. I love it!" Dr. Gero flashes a wicked smile at Yumcha. Yumcha leans back in his chair, satisfied that his plan is going along smoothly.
Back at Bulma's house Dr. Briefs is parading from one end of the house to the other. Packing an assortment of maps, compasses and other navigational gadgets into his bag and pockets.
"If no one will help me, then I'll go back alone. I don't care what it takes. I'll find that castle and somehow I'll get her out of there."
He grabs his hat from the rack by the door and places it on his head. He then walks out the door and shuts it behind him. Bracing himself against the wind he makes his way down the small path that leads to their door before cutting across the field and into the forest.
Seconds later Yumcha and Krillin arrive with Dr. Gero. They push the door open and Yumcha storms in. After searching the house from top to bottom and finding no sign of them he storms out, slamming the door behind him.
"Oh, well, I guess it's not gonna work after all" Krillin remarks as an annoyed Yumcha storms past him. Yumcha bends down and picks Krillin up by the neck.
"They have to come back sometime, and when they do, we'll be ready for them," Yumcha walks down the stone stairs still holding Krillin by the neck. When he reaches the bottom he drops Krillin into a snow bank by the stairs "Krillin, don't move from that spot until Bulma and her father come home. Yumcha marches off and leaps onto the back of Dr. Gero's cart, which slowly rolls away, being pulled by two horses.
"But, but... aww, nuts!" Krillin says slamming his fist into the side of the water mill behind him. A pile of snow falls onto his head covering him completely.
* * *
To be continued…