Chapter Three: Metamorphosis

Needless to say, my adventure had been a rather dull one. I had been greeted warmly by Bulma and the rest of her family, though there had been a bit of a shock for them when I mentioned that I wanted the Dragon Radar.

Chichi, why on earth would you want to go hunting for the Dragon Balls again? Bulma exclaimed as we lounged around her large patio. Vegeta looked at me curiously while Trunks stopped playing catch with Bra to stare at me and was promptly whacked on the head by the bright pink baseball.

I shrugged, Bit of a need for adventure, I suppose. And Goku would be pleased if I found his grandfather's four star ball you know, considering how he treasured it as a child.

Bulma smiled at that, He was rather attached to it, wasn't he? I remember that day he thought my car was a monster... oh it feels so long ago now! Goku gave me the, you'll get it once you pry it out of my cold, dead hands' look when I tried to persuade him to give it to me!

So you'll lend it to me, Bulma? I asked excitedly.

I don't see why not, she smiled. It's in my workshop, I have to fix it and clean it up a bit but other than that, it should be done by tomorrow morning for you to take.

Thank you!

I was excited and ecstatic that my journey was about to begin. But there was this _look_ that Vegeta gave me that sent a shudder down my spine. Later that night, after dinner, I ran into him after going to the bathroom. He looked at me and did that nasty little smirk thing, before turning and strutting down the hallway towards Bra's playroom. It felt as if he knew the real reason I was going on this quest and it bothered me to no end. Only when I left that next morning did I feel better.

But with the world at total peace with no one to stir up mischief, the quest was quite dull. The first one I found was the six star ball, which I just bought from the pawn shop where it had somehow ended up. Then, I discovered the the three star ball wedged tightly under a root of an old tree (luckily, I was still strong enough to pull it out). The four, two, and one star balls were just scattered in separate grasslands and marshes, it took a bit of hunting but nothing strenuous. The seven star ball was on the bottom of a very large lake but using the submarine capsule, I got it out rather quickly. The last one, the five star ball was the most difficult, buried deep inside a large, narrow cave.

I gathered the Dragon Balls in my bag and sped off towards home. I couldn't wait to appear in front of my family again, young and beautiful. Wanting to surprise them, I let myself off a bit away from our home and waited til I knew that everyone would be soundly asleep before I summoned the dragon forth.

The dragon stared at me and spoke, You who have awoken me I will grant two wishes to. Name any two wishes and they will be yours, anything that my power can grant.

My eyes widened suddenly, I had forgotten that the dragon now grants two wishes. But I shrugged and said, I wish for youth, please make me youthful again, please make me look and feel like the way I was when I married.

That's an easy wish to grant, the dragon laughed and he began to glow a golden light. Instantly, I felt my skin _change_ and tighten, becoming smooth and full. I touched my face, expecting to feel grooves where the wrinkles cut through my skin and became delighted when I just felt baby soft skin of my cheeks and eye lids. I pulled out a small compact from my pocket and admired myself. Have my eyes always been that large and fridged with those long, thick lashes? My lips that pouty and pink? My cheeks so rosy and smooth?

The dragon's deep baritone startled me out staring at my reflection, What is your next wish? Ask, and I will grant you anything that is in my power.

I bit my lip, thinking about this for a bit, then replied, I have no wish right now... could you please go back into the balls and when I think of something, I will summon you?

The dragon thought this over and looked at me sternly. I will, but decide quickly. Remember, this is your last wish. With that last statement, he transferred himself back into the balls.

I quickly gathered them up in my bag again and began to sprint towards my home and family. My legs felt strong and I relished in the joy of feeling the muscles in my legs contract and push as each step brought my closer to Goku.

Beloved, I am coming to you!

Blue Jeans's Note: Umm... I know I let this sit for a long time, so I apologize to my readers! Be happy, it's done! =D