Hi guys I'm back with a new chapter. I decided to update this story more since it's been getting more views. The poll got closed too. So I'll try to have 2 updates a month for this one. Justice probably will just get 1 a month. I hope its to your liking.
I also wanted to say a thank you to Akira Toriyama for making this fantastic series. I didn't know he passed away at the start of this month. I was reading a different manga when I scrolled down to reviews. Someone left a rip toriyama in the comments. I stared at it thinking it wasn't true. I don't have twitter or watch the news lol so searched it up and still couldn't believe it. I`ve been a fan since I was a kid and more when going to middle school. It helped me in the darkest times in the past. I can't imagine what would have happen if Dragon Ball was never created. It's not perfect but gotta admit it has a cast of lovable characters and gave a few manga creators inspiration for their own series. Will continue to be a hardcore fan always. As others have said dragon ball is still here so he will be with us always. Thanks Akira, may you rest in peace.
Don't own db/z, all belongs to Mr. Toriyama.
Discovering
" My name is Kakarot, princess."
" Kakarot? What an unusual name." Chichi realizes what she had said. It was almost like she was insulting him. " What I meant is it's…oh what's the word? Ah unique!"
Kakarot lets out a sigh as he says " Unique of course. Well I must go, the king and prince are waiting for me. Farewell princess."
Without another word the young guard makes his way down the stairs. Chichi watches him get into the horse drawn-carriage as it leaves. Soon only traces of dust were left behind as she leans up against one side of the large wooden doors. Great she was left with the task of letting her father know about King Vegeta's journey and of his son coming to see her. A small mischievous smile forms on her lips. Or maybe she'd keep it to herself. Nobody else heard him after-all. Before she had a chance to escape to her room, she's stopped by a painful tug by the hairs. Turning around her eyes meet a pair of annoyed cerulean one's. Chichi's shoulders drop along with her head. So much for hiding this from her father.
" I saw that look you just had. You will tell your father everything Kakarot said." Bulma says pointing a finger at Chichi. " And don't you dare bribe me this time! I won't fall for it."
Chichi pouts as Bulma grabs her arm and drags her to the Ox King throne room. It was no use. When Bulma was serious about something she had to comply. Otherwise Bulma would find any way to embarrass her. Yes even her favorite lady had her bad side.
The ride back to the Kingdom of Light was full of silence. Only the sound of the horses trotting and the carriage wheels were heard. King Vegeta sat next to the prince holding a book in hand. How could his father be causally reading at a time like this? He thought that at least they would be discussing among themselves all that was said at the meeting. Vegeta with angered eyes looks out at the skies. How he wished he had the ability to fly off. Being here was too much for him. He takes a quick glance at Kakarot. The young man was taking a look at some sort of map. Vegeta takes this as an opportunity to speak to his guard.
" Kakarot what's that in your hand? Looks like a map."
Kakarot raises his eyes to glance at the King. King Vegeta raises his hand as a signal allowing him to speak. He turns the map around to show the prince.
" It is a map of the kingdom. Each mark is of places we have scanned for intruders. Fortunately nothing has been found. We have three areas left."
" Is that so? Well I'm surprised you haven't asked me to join. I've been stuck inside the light castle for quite some time. Venturing out may do me some good. Wouldn't you agree father?"
King Vegeta places a bookmark in his book and shuts it. His eyes connect with his son's. " Oh my son, you sure know how to humor me. What could you possibly contribute to these quests? As you know Kakarot is the one leading them. A prince like yourself is meant to be in a castle watching the King's every move. You are the next to take the throne. Are you not?"
Vegeta knew his father was belittling him with that smirk he wore. This fuels the anger he had since the meeting to grow. Forgetting who he was speaking to, he says with a raised tone " Yes I am the next to take over after your death. Who knows if that will be sooner than later. Maybe then I'll be free from the shackles you have me in. The chance to become stronger than what I am. Stronger than you!"
King Vegeta's features change to rage as he slaps his son in the face. Vegeta holds his burning cheek. The urge to do the same was growing inside him but glanced at Kakarot. The guard slightly shakes his head. Vegeta growled as he holds back.
" I am your father! Don't you dare speak to me that way again! Once we arrive I want you to stay in your room until the sun rises again! Do you hear me?"
Vegeta's head lowers as he mutters " Yes…father."
The King opens his book back up sighing. " The decision that was made is for the best. Even though you may not think it, the princess will make a fine queen. I don't understand why you think of her in such disgust. She is a beauty and will do as you say out of fear. Take advantage of that. The Ox King won't be able to stop you after he signs the agreement."
Vegeta couldn't look at his father. This was the reason he acted the way he did. His father would tell him that being manipulative helped to get what you wanted. Using force and making people tremble was the way to get far. He would wear that mask for his father but deep inside he didn't want to be that way. At the young age of eight, he lost the source of light in his life. His mother. She was the complete opposite of his father. Wanting to do good, trying to help those in need and had a talent for music. She would play the piano with such grace. Each time she would play you could feel what she felt. Vegeta thought the melodies were amazing. He'd ask her to teach him. So she had a hidden place made close to the castle grounds. There she had the freedom to play and teach her son. He had learned quickly. It was as if he was meant to play the instrument. Before her death, she asked someone to teach him in her place. That was the last gift she left him with. So he dedicated as much time to learn until perfecting it. For his mother.
A while later they finally arrived. Vegeta was the first to hop off and leave. He had no reason to stay. No reason to look at his father. Passing a few guards by the front gates, he heads up to the front doors. Two other guards greet him as he once again passes without saying a word. His aim right now was to get away from his father. Once he makes it to his room, he walks right in and shuts the door. He exhales through his nostrils as he begins to take off his armor. He sets it aside as he goes over to his desk. He pulls a chair as he sits down. Opening up a notepad he had laying on the desk he grabs a pen. He had to let this anger out some way besides in combat. Writing journal entries was the second thing that helped him. He dips the tip of the pen in ink and begins to write everything that had occurred today. As he was finishing up, he hears a knock. It was probably Kakarot. He was the only one that came when his father would send him to his room. At least he would be able to talk in private with his guard. He sets the notepad aside and goes to open the door. Sure enough it was Kakarot. Vegeta makes way for him to enter. Once Kakarot passes through he shuts the door.
" Looks like the King made you angry earlier." Kakarot takes a look over at the armor laying on his bed. " You normally leave that hanging on the wall."
Vegeta scratches his head irritated. " Kakarot I don't need you to lecture me on how to maintain my room. What are you really doing here?"
Kakarot lets out a chuckle as he responds " Oh it's that bad huh? Well your father asked me to come see you. Seems to me like he regrets hitting you before preparing for his departure."
" Ha is that so? That's a good excuse your making for him. I know my father better than you. He doesn't have a fragile heart to regret what he did today."
Kakarot takes a seat on a chair nearby. He crosses his arms over his chest. " You caught me. I know that his words were harsh but being bitter about it won't solve anything. You know that."
" Easy for you to say Kakarot! You don't have a father watching over you constantly!" Vegeta stops realizing what he just said. Kakarot looks down for a moment. He forgot about Kakarot's own father who was no longer alive. Vegeta tries to compose himself as he says " Yes you're right. Acting this way won't help."
Vegeta walks over to his window and opens it. A light breeze enters as he gazes out at the skies.
" By the way, how are you feeling about the marriage proposal?"
" Terrible. I never in a million years thought I'd have to marry such a horrid woman. Just imagining having to share all with her makes me want to vomit."
Vegeta hears Kakarot get up. He felt his guard's hand on his shoulder. Taking his eyes off the skies, he sees Kakarot standing next to him. He raises a brow at him.
" I don't understand why you have such hate for the princess. Did she do something to you when you were younger?"
Vegeta's eyes narrow as he says " It's because of her I was made fun of. No one would take me serious. My father and that father of hers would always tell me to stay by her side. I know now it seems childish but it got worse when we grew. My father and hers fought. They became enemies and my father decided to take my freedom to do as he pleased. He wanted me to become a replica of him even more. If it wasn't for you I would be a carbon copy of his."
" That would have been terrifying. I guess those around us should thank me."
Kakarot laughs as Vegeta smirks. To think this man was one of the deadliest warriors in the Kingdom of Light. He was good at hiding this soft side of his. Only Vegeta got to see it. When it came to weapon use and hand to hand combat Kakarot would rival him. Whenever he was allowed to go with Kakarot, he'd always make sure nobody hurt him. That was his promise from the first day he started as the royal guard. Vegeta considered him a friend. The only person he could trust. The only one who wasn't so arrogant like the rest. It was something that set him apart. He was glad he was chosen to be his guard.
" Get going Kakarot. They'll grow suspicious of you."
Kakarot makes his way to the door. He turns to Vegeta saying " I'm having a feeling you want me out. Heh, don't do anything crazy and rethink your feelings for the princess. Once a signature is down on paper you will have to get married."
" Get out!" Vegeta shouts, shoving Kakarot out the door slamming it shut. He sighs thinking ' What a nuisance.'
The day came for the prince and princess to start their meetings. The morning was full of complaining, whining and full of anger. Kakarot and Bulma both knew this was going to be a long day. How were they going to handle these two? They were just going to have to figure it out themselves. The meet took place at the Kingdom of Light. Since the offer was made by King Vegeta. Bulma and Chichi entered the castle. They felt like ants walking through the halls. Once they reach the back, there stood the prince's guard. He didn't have his silver upper armor like last time. Instead he wore a deep blue rolled up sleeved shirt with a sable colored leather vest. His pants and boots were a dark shade. He didn't look as intimidating without his armor. Once they reach him he bows and leads them down the stairs to the courtyard. Chichi couldn't believe how large it was. The courtyard at Fire mountain was large but filled with various parts. Here it divided into two parts. One side had a decorative space with tables and chairs. It had a large outdoor fountain in the middle. The other half was filled with trees. It was much more plain than back at her father's castle.
" Wait by the fountain princess. I'll call the prince."
Once they see him disappear into the castle Bulma twirls slowly getting a good look at the place. A frown appears on her face as she shakes her head.
" What a shame. This place isn't as dazzling as I imagined it to be. I thought they'd have gardens, horse racing stations, or a training area. All I see are trees."
" It use to be more lively. When they mentioned the queen's passing it lost all attention. She was the one in charge of this place. Goes to show how far a lady's touch can change things."
" You're so right princess! I'm glad your father considers our opinions. Well we do have an advantage at our side." Bulma smirks as she elbows Chichi in the ribs.
" Oh stop that. Don't want this prince to think lowly of you." Chichi says as she takes a seat at a nearby bench. She tells Bulma to come sit with her.
" I'll join you but only for a bit. The angry little prince should be arriving soon."
Just as Bulma finished her sentence they see Vegeta and his guard walking down the steps. Once arriving Chichi noticed Vegeta was wearing a similar outfit as the guard except for the vest and color. He wore a medium blue jacket with silver buttons. It was more bright compared to the guard's. He also wore a dark shirt with matching colored pants and leather boots. Once they reach the last step the prince and princess were face to face.
" It's a fine day wouldn't you agree?" Vegeta sarcastically asks with narrow eyes. She glares back at him. " Sure it is. It's so nice to meet up with you today."
Bulma sees them both shooting daggers at each other and decides to step in. " Now's not the time for you to be fighting. Go on and sit down over there. We'll stay here."
Both roll their eyes and sit at a nearby table. It leaves Bulma alone with the guard. She takes a peek up at the guard. Now she was stuck next to this man she went off on the day they came over. How could she fix things with him? She starts to whistle as she sees him stare at her. He didn't look too happy.
" So…how are you doing today?" she asks as the guard replies back. " Well."
Bulma is shocked by the short response and crosses her arms over her chest. With a huff she says " I get it. You're still mad about the things I said. Thought you got over that."
" I have. I just don't want to speak to you."
Offended, Bulma drags the guard away a few feet from the other two and says " That was rude! Are you this way with everyone? Cause if you are, you'll never befriend anyone!"
The guard shakes his head and replies " I have a friend. He's right there."
Bulma tries to hold in her laughter but can't. She burst out loud laughing leaving the guard confused. Bulma wipes a tear away as she places a hand on his shoulder.
" Yes is he your only friend? If that's so then you don't have much of a social life. By the way, what is your name? The princess won't tell me."
" It's Kakarot and I do have more friends. I just don't have the time to meet with them." Kakarot pinches the bridge of his nose. " I'm not just the prince's guard. I have other duties to fulfill as well."
" Is that so? Like what other duties? Training, maintaining a watch out for threats, catering the king and the prince, or cleaning up with the maids?"
Kakarot shrugs her hand off his shoulder. He was fed up with all these questions and instead walks away from her. Bulma gasps at the fact that he walks off and grumbles to herself. Great just her luck. All she was trying to do was set an example for the other two. She sighs as her shoulders droop. Okay and maybe also mend things up. Oh well she tried. Surveying her surroundings she fixes her eyes on the large trees ahead. She had a feeling that place wasn't just a line up of trees. Curious she decides to check it out. She knew she was suppose to stay and keep an eye on Chichi but knew she'd be back before they'd notice. So she sneaks away to discover what hidden gems were behind these trees. As Bulma thought nobody had notice she left. Until Chichi out of boredom stretches her arms back and takes a look over at Bulma's spot. She wasn't there!
Getting up on her two feet she calls out " Bulma!"
Kakarot opens his eyes. He had dozed off himself but was awoken by the princess's voice. He stands and makes his way to both royal heirs. Vegeta smirks as he says " Seems to me that so called lady of yours isn't very reliable. Leaving you all alone."
Chichi backs away and points a finger at them. " Don't you dare try something! I will tell my father and you won't hear the last of it from your father!"
Vegeta rolls his eyes as he gets up. " Enough with the petty threat and lower that voice of yours. Such an annoyance."
" Would you like me to retrieve her?" Kakarot stands beside the prince. Vegeta shakes his head. " No, I'll go find her. You stay here and keep an eye on her."
The prince runs off leaving the other two behind.
Bulma walks deeper into the maze of trees. The scene in front of her was surprising. Small woodland creatures running up trees. Birds pecking down at the ground. Some chirping while others flew from branch to branch. Few flowers bunched together in bushes as others stood alone. A particular flower caught her interest. She goes and bends down. Carefully, she pulls it up from the ground and examines it. The petals were a crimson red and oval shaped. The stem was prickly to the touch and had an unusual bright yellow hue. She holds it up to her nose and smells it. It had a pleasant aroma. She couldn't find the words to describe it. There was no doubt in her mind that this flower was special. Most definitely she was going to keep it. Getting up once again, she feels a breeze go through. The leaves on the trees rustle as a bit of light shines through. As much as she wanted to explore more, she knew that the others were probably going to notice her absence. So she picks up the pace while holding the rare flower in hand.
After a few minutes past by, she sees a building up ahead. A smile forms on her lips as she runs right at it. She halts in front of the building. It was made of stone, was long and reached the heights of the trees. The door was at the far right. Bulma goes right up and turns the knob. It was locked. Just as her hand drops, she hears footsteps coming her way. Oh no…someone found her. She plead to herself that it wasn't the prince's guard. Turning around her eyes meet a pair of dark sharp eyes. Her eyes grew wide.
" Let me go search for her!"
" No, you're to remain here until the prince comes back. Take a seat."
Chichi plops down on an empty seat. This was just perfect. She dusts off her dress annoyed. She had gotten it a bit dusty from the countless times she tried running off. Each time was yanked from behind and put back in the same place. Pulling up a corner of her dress she sees a stain. Great, the maids were going to scold her again. Rolling her eyes she let's the dress go.
' I can't believe she'd take off like that! Oh but when she returns I'm going to give her an earful!' She taps the glass table with her fingers and looks over at the water fountain. ' Might as well go check that out.'
Standing up, she walks over to the fountain. Once in front of it, she kneels down beside it. She didn't have a chance to really look at it. The base was octagon shaped. She glides her fingertips over the edge. Felt like it was made of stone. It had a intricate design carved in between the top and bottom. In the middle it had a statue of what appeared to be a woman. The statue had a crown on the head, the hands were clasped together, it had a long dress with a flowery design on the bottom half and the face was pointing up as if looking at the sky. A stream of water flowed down the head as if the water was it's hair. Chichi paused a moment focusing on the face carving. Could this be a statue of the queen?
" Kakarot, is this the queen?"
Kakarot takes a glance over his shoulder and sees the princess on the ground staring up at the statue. He turns his head back. This was no time to be starting a conversation with the princess. He had to keep his guard up. He hears a sigh and then hears a loud splash. Turning around, he sees the princess inside the water circling around the statue while holding her dress up. Immediately he stomps his way towards her.
" Step out of there now! This water fountain is a monument to the late queen! You're disrespecting her!" Kakarot takes a hold of the princess's arm and pulls her out. He realizes that she had took her shoes off. Of course stepping into it barefooted. He lets her go and hears her giggling.
" Thank you for finally answering my question. I guess my plan worked." She places a hand over her mouth as she continues to giggle.
Kakarot stands there not believe that this sneaky little princess got him to talk. He exhales through his nostrils as he gazes at the young lady in her fit of giggles. They sound so joyous causing a smile to form on his lips.
Chichi's giggles cease as she takes a moment to compose herself. She goes over and takes a hold of her shoes by the fountain. She glances up at the guard as she sees an unexpected smile on his face. A shoe slips from her grasp as she goes to pick it up once again. When she looks up, the once smile on the guard's face was gone. He was staring at the fountain where the water was shooting out. Chichi's eyes avert from him and back to the ground. Guess it was back to silence.
" You have some nerve. Wandering off on grounds that are not yours."
Bulma gulps as in front of her was the prince. His razor sharp eyes digging right into hers. She slightly takes a step back and nervously lets out a laugh.
" Well we were invited here by your father. So I don't see any harm in exploring."
Vegeta continues to glare at her as he then scoffs " Oh so now you want to be treated as royalty huh? Ha! In your dreams you low class servant."
Bulma's nervousness instantly changes to rage. She stomps right up to the prince and shouts " You take that back! I know my place you snobby prince!"
A nerve pops from Vegeta's forehead as he puffs out his chest yelling back " Seems to me that you don't! How dare you shout in my face!"
As both stare each other down, a loud ding sound is heard from behind. Bulma turns around and sees that it came from the stone made building. Before she could take a step, she's shoved back by the prince. She almost lost her balance as she sees him heading for the door. With a wave of his hand he unlocks the door. Turning the knob he rushes in, leaving the door open.
' What in the world? Just a second ago he was yelling at me.' Bulma quietly makes her way to the door. ' It's just a peek. I'll leave right after…'
Bulma stood in awe. The prince was sitting on a dark bench facing away from her. In front of him was one of the most rarest grand pianos she had ever seen. Soon she hears a piano key being pressed. Shortly, the room echoed of the musical piece the prince was playing. The rhythm was slow at first then picked up to faster pace. It was literal music to her ears. She felt her feet carrying her in as she closed her eyes. She couldn't control herself when it came to music. It was her weakness. It was what gave her the freedom to use her body to express herself. In no time she leaped right into a rhythmic dance matching the music.
The prince went on playing the piano. Even though the servant was probably hear him he had to do it. It was a promise he made after his mother's passing. That he would play one of her favorites on a daily basis at the same hour. It was something he did to keep her memory alive. As he picked up the pace, he noticed a figure moving around. He keeps playing as the sun's rays enter into the room from above. It was the servant. He eyes the woman as she effortlessly glides through the room in a series of twists, turns, leaps and jumps. The way her body moved was captivating. Her dress follows her as best as it can. He quickens the pace as she also does. How was it that this woman knew this method of dancing? He only had seen it in hidden gatherings in the Kingdom of Light. He soon slows down as he hits the last keys and ends it.
Vegeta watches the servant ends her dance curved back. She opens her eyes as they meet the prince's. She gets out of position as they stare at each other for a second until Bulma's cheeks turn red in embarrassment. She points right at him and shouts " Y-you didn't see that! Y-you hear!"
Before Vegeta had a chance to speak she rushes out the building. He stares down at the piano keys deep in thought. This he just saw felt so familiar. Where did he see this? He shakes his head and goes up to the statue of his mother.
" I hope that was of your liking mother. Heh, you even had a dancer accompanying it." Vegeta takes a flower he had stashed away in a box. He takes a violet colored one and places it carefully in a porcelain made vase. " I'm sure it won't be the last time either."
He looks at the door and smirks making his way to it. That servant had caught his attention. He wasn't going to let it end here.
" Princess! I'm so sorry I left you here alone!" Bulma was running down over to Chichi.
Chichi got up from her seat happy to see her lady finally arriving. They hug each other as Chichi sees the prince come into view.
" Was everything okay? Did it take long for you to find her?" Kakarot makes his way over to the prince. The prince wore a proud look on his face. " Not at all Kakarot. I did find out a few things about her though. I'll tell you once they leave."
Vegeta makes his way to the princess. Chichi breaks the hug and says " Well I think we should end this here. I don't know when the next meeting will be arranged. I hope later than sooner."
" My father told me it will be at your place. So you must speak to your father." Vegeta gives Bulma a look as he smirks. " Make sure to dress appropriately. The finest clothing you own since we will be announcing to the public. I don't want to be next to you if you're dressed awful. Same goes for your lady."
Bulma felt her cheeks grow hot as she pulls on Chichi's arm. " Yes of course! I think we should go now. Your father wouldn't like you arriving late!"
Chichi noticed something was off with Bulma. She looks back at the prince. Did he do something to her? A slight frown appears on her face as she says " Yes, we should leave. Until the next time, prince."
The two young women take off leaving the two men behind. Kakarot gives Vegeta a look as he asks " What did you do to the princess's lady?"
" Nothing at all. She's just nervous because I learned a secret of hers. And I'm sure it won't be the only one."
Kakarot watches as the prince walks up the steps chuckling. Guess he wasn't the only one who had a moment. He stays behind and turns to the water fountain. A smile forms on his face as he shakes his head and walks up the steps.
That's all I got for now! Finally found out a bit of Vegeta's back history. Again some character's will be ooc just to fit the story. Chichi got a sneak peek at Kakarot and Bulma well showed a little too much lol how will things go for them now? Tune in to find out!
Please leave a review if you can!
*A-N Lights
