Hello! Yes, I returned with a new chapter. Sorry for the late update. A mix of all sorts of things came and took my time away. I'm glad though that I finally got through it and had a chance to write again. So I won't make any promises of the two updates a month. If I can I will post, but if not I'll try my best to post as soon as possible. So here we go with the new chapter. I hope you like it.

I don't own db/z, they belong to Mr. Toriyama.

Saved me

"Where on earth did I leave that sheet of paper?"

Bulma had searched high and low for a medical sheet. It contained information about a medicine her doctor gave her after a visit. No one knew about these visits. She had kept them to herself.

Scratching her head, Bulma steps into the living room and goes over to the old rocking chair. It stood by a worn-up window. She glances at it. It needed a fresh coat of paint just like the walls. Maybe after the signing, she'd ask the Ox King for time off. She grabs the wool coat lying on top of the chair and searches the pockets. She sticks her hand on the second pocket and feels the folded sheet of paper.

'Thank goodness! I thought I lost it.' Bulma thinks, making her way to her room. 'The last thing I need is for my father to question me.'

Tip-toeing into her room, she quietly shuts the door and locks it. Bulma throws her wool coat on her bed and removes her tattered boots one by one. She sets the pair by her closet and starts removing her clothing. One by one the item of clothing fell to the floor. She was too tired to neatly place them aside. She grabs a night dress and puts it on. Collapsing on her bed, she decides to take a nap. After the trip she took to her doctor, she was exhausted. Rolling to her left side, she closes her eyes and slowly drifts to sleep.

Later

"Bulma! Are you up? It's past eight o'clock!"

Bulma hears a voice and knocking coming from her door. She sits up in bed and rubs her eyes. Getting up, she drags her feet across the floor to the door. Opening it, she sees her father. He didn't look happy.

"Hello, were you saying something?" Bulma asks as sleep continues to cling to her. Her father groans as he gently taps his daughter's cheek. "Look at you, still half asleep on an important day. Go on and dress. I'll prepare something for you to take. You won't have time to eat here."

Bulma goes back into her room and starts preparing for the day. She wears a comfortable outfit. It was going to take a while to arrive at the Ox King's castle. With all the buzz going around about the engagement between Princess Chichi and Prince Vegeta, she'd be lucky to catch a ride. Bulma grabs the best dress and shoes she owns and places them into her crossbody bag. After forcing her clothes into her bag, she walks out of her room. She goes to the kitchen and sees a small tied-up box. Smiling, she takes it and rushes out the door.

'Where is he? I have to thank him for the food.'

She searches around but can't find him. Where in the world could he have disappeared to? Bulma stops the search and decides to head out. She'll say thank you when she returns.

'I hope I arrive on time.' She thinks to herself as she quickens her pace.

At the Light Castle-

" I need you all to quicken the pace. We have to be ready before the King awakens."

Soldiers began gathering all the weapons they had stored up in the arsenal. An immense pile of weapons lay in the middle of the building. Each soldier picked the weapons they were most skilled with. Once they chose, they put them into their storage. Lastly, they picked their armor and a shield to accompany it. After they finished, they all huddled together in a circle waiting for their commander to reappear. Moments later, Kakarot came through the doors wearing the lightest armor he owned. The soldiers were confused by his choice but shrugged it away.

" Good work. I thought you weren't done yet. Now I want you all to listen carefully. Today is a special day. I'm sure you all are aware that we will be guarding Fire Mountains Castle. The King has asked us to keep an eye out for any intruders. Remember we are representing the Kingdom of Light. If we do well, people will have respect for us all. Now, let's head to the front doors. We are to remain there until the Prince arrives. He will be the one we guard. The King will be leaving in a separate carriage. Let's go."

Kakarot watches the men march out of the building with shields in hand. Today is important. If he wanted to keep his position as commander, he had to show the King he was capable. Rubbing away the sleep still lingering in his eyes, he follows the men. Staying up last night wasn't his brightest move. But his nerves didn't allow him to sleep.

He held a conversation with the King. There was someone else wanting his position. The man was Carn. He was a friend of Kakarot's. The man admired him since they were children. Always saying that one day he would be working side by side with him. Kakarot never knew he wanted to challenge him for this position. Kakarot had worked hard and endured so much to be where he was now. He knew everyone else did too. But this position meant so much to him. It was the only thing he had accomplished with his efforts. The only thing that kept him standing. And he wasn't going to give it up. Not even to a friend.

" I want all of you to get into two rows. Four in each row. Stand here in silence. Is that clear?"

All the men nod their heads. Guess the commander sneaked in a test. But they didn't fall for it.

Kakarot responds with a nod and walks off. Walking through the doors, his aim was the Prince's room. The last time this happened, Vegeta had overslept, and he paid the consequences. Kakarot wasn't going to let that happen a second time. Even if the Prince presented him with a punch in the face.

'Vegeta better be up. If he's not, I'll knock on his door until he opens it.' Kakarot thinks as he stops in front of the Prince's door.

Before knocking, Kakarot hears a strange noise coming from the room. He proceeds to knock twice but doesn't receive an answer. His eyebrows furrow as he knocks again. This time he hears a pain-filled yell as his eyes grow. Without hesitating, Kakarot kicks the door twice. Seeing that the door didn't budge, he kicked one more time putting all his power into it. The door crashes down to the side as Kakarot enters the room. He makes his way to where the Prince lies in bed.

He was thrashing in bed, his hands moving in different directions. Kakarot takes the Prince's hands and pins them down to his sides. In a calm voice, Kakarot says repeatedly " It's not real. You're in a dream. Wake."

Kakarot slowly sees the struggling Prince's heaving chest begin to slow down. His facial expression changes to normal. He lets go of the Prince's hands Stepping aside, he goes over to a nearby window. Running a hand down his face, Kakarot stares at the still body in bed.

Vegeta had an episode once again. The young prince had nightmares of his mother. No one knew except for Kakarot. Vegeta didn't even bother saying anything to his father. The only thing he'd receive was a cold shoulder and probably a remark about how pitiful he was. When Vegeta unloaded this to Kakarot, he told the prince not to worry. He didn't think less of him. Would tell him everyone had a weakness. Even if people called him the best and the bravest, he also had a past that haunted him.

He glances out the window. The sun's rays began illuminating the skies. For the sake of the Prince, he hoped the sun shining represented a good day.

At the Kingdom of Fire Mountain-

" You look spectacular Princess Chichi! I know the prince will be fawning all over you."

Chichi forces a smile to her maids and hairdresser. That was exactly what she didn't want him to do. She twirls around in the ruby shade dress. Jewels of all sorts were on it and bows. She thought it was a bit too much. Since Bulma wasn't here yet, the maids option ruled hers out. The only thing that satisfied her taste was the hairdresser's work. Her hair was styled lightly. Not too much or too little. The jewels she wore on her ears, neck, and fingers were a nice touch. She was finally prepared for the day. All that was missing was her lady's peppy energy.

" Please check to see if Lady Bulma has arrived. Send her here if you see her."

The maids look at each other and nod. Each one stepped out followed by the hairdresser. The door closes as Chichi is left in the silent room. She goes to her desk and pulls out a chair. She sits down, picking up a sheet of paper. Here it was. The agreement she was to turn in of her acceptance to wed Prince Vegeta. She lifts it and stares at it. Who would have thought this thin piece of paper would change her future? She loosens her grip on the paper as it slowly falls. She crosses her arms onto her desk and rests her head on her arm.

Marriage. A union between two lovers. Two souls connecting. Two who would let their selfish desires go for the sake of the other's happiness. Being there when they needed each other the most. Closing her eyes, Chichi let out a sigh. Or so she thought. This was nothing in comparison to those stories she was read to as a child. Of the Princess falling in love and being happily married to her Prince. Even though she didn't speak much about it, she did want something like that. To meet a dashing man, fall in love, and marry him. That was a fairytale. This she was about to go through was reality. All Chichi had left was to dream about it. At that moment, she remembered her vision. The fuzzy memory was coming back. The faceless man who held her tenderly in his arms. The one whose tears fell from his eyes. She tried to remember his words, but nothing came to mind.

'Whoever you are, save me from this. Prove to me that what I want is possible.'

Ding-Dong!

The bells had begun to ring. It was now noon, the hour to present herself in front of many. She lifts her head and twists one of the rings on her finger. I guess no one was coming to save her. She gets up and turns around. Chichi walks over to the door and opens it. Taking a deep breath, she heads out and lets the door close.

Just as they had expected, everything went smoothly. The Kings presented both of their children. They explained why they were holding this gathering. To sign off the agreement of marriage. Guests from other Kingdoms were shocked. The crowds of people from Fire Mountain couldn't believe that the Ox King would have an arranged marriage for his daughter. As people murmured amongst themselves, the Kings directed their attention back to the Princess and Prince. Both held a sheet in their hand. It had written their willingness to agree to this decision. Their signatures were written at the bottom in large blue ink. A table was in the middle of them. Chichi and Vegeta laid their papers beside the large one. After a speech was given, all four of them signed the large paper confirming once more. The last to sign was Chichi as she stared at the paper with a pen in hand. Her hand shook as she quickly printed her name out. Once she places the pen down, she backs away. King Vegeta then started clapping as the rest followed along. It was now over.

A celebratory dinner was held afterward. People of high stature and those of the other Kingdoms were invited. All the others were given something for coming and were told to go. Going in, Chichi and Vegeta held hands as they entered the dining hall. They were guided to the special table in the middle. The Kings were the first to sit followed by them. Even though the rest of the people rejoiced at the union, they sat in silence. A feast was prepared as the drinks and plates quickly began to disappear. Once it ended, chatter started.

" You know I don't want to be here either."

Chichi is snapped out of her thoughts as she turns to look at Vegeta. He had just set his cup down as he eyes the dessert he was given a moment ago.

" Really? You seem like you're fine with it. I haven't heard a peep from you all day."

Vegeta scoops up a little of his dessert and holds it up close to Chichi's face. Chichi blinks twice and gives him a questionable look. He rolls his eyes and says " Open up. This will convince the people here we're happy."

Chichi feels a bit uncomfortable but does as she's told. She imagined Vegeta shoving the spoon into her mouth but was surprised. He gently placed it into her mouth and pulled it out. He continued until all the dessert was gone. He then proceeds to wipe a little frosting that was left on the corner of her mouth. As he puts the napkin down, he looks out at the guests. Chichi raises her eyebrows. What just happened?

" You just fed me." She says quietly as Vegeta side eyes her saying " Don't look too surprised. And don't get used to this. It's only for the day. Tomorrow everything will be back to the way it was. Understand?"

Chichi exhales with relief. She got a little scared that Vegeta was falling for her or something. It would make all this easier, but she didn't like him like that. She nods as he goes back to watching the guests. At that moment, an idea pops into her head. She raises a hand to one of the servers. They come over as she asks for a bowl of fruit. They place it down along with a fork and leave. Chichi knew exactly how to get back at Vegeta.

" Oh dear, will you let me feed you?"

Vegeta hears her and sees her holding up a piece of fruit. She had a fake smile on her face. For a second he gives her a furious look. She lets a laugh out.

" Don't be moody and open up." She says as Vegeta glances around. There were a few people around them at a hearing distance. " Fine, darling."

He opens his mouth and munches on the fruit, still angered. This sneak knew how much he hated being fed since he was young. Seemed she was getting back at him. She was going to owe him for this.

" I guess this is real huh?"

Chichi pauses her feeding as she and Vegeta look up. Right before them was the Prince of the Kingdom of Gardens. The man's name was Landon, Vegeta's past partner in crime. They loved to get into trouble when they were little. He bows to both and smiles.

" Never imagined you two had a liking for each other. Guess you lied to me way back Vegeta."

Vegeta pulls away from Chichi and smirks. " Not at all. It has to be done. What are you doing here? You dislike gatherings."

Ruffling up his brunette hair, he catches what Vegeta meant and lets out a laugh " Good convincing. I just strolled around these parts and overheard that this was going to take place today. So, I said why not go see the two people I grew up with."

Chichi watches them continue to talk. She hoped Landon had grown out of being immature. If he was the same, she would have to keep an eye out for him. As she sets the fork down, she hears a light tap on the table. She looks up and sees Landon's hazel eyes staring right at hers.

" Guess Vegeta's gotten boring over the years. Vegeta why don't you surprise these people with a piece, and we can share a short dance." Landon suggests holding a hand out to Chichi as she stares at it.

Was this a trap? She scans the room and sees that a few people are watching them. Sighing, she walks around the table and sets her hand on his. Vegeta knew his father wasn't going to like this, but it was a way to get back at him. Plus, they were in the Ox King's castle. He couldn't stop him when there was a piano waiting to be played. He rolls up his sleeves and sits down on the piano chair. From a distance he saw his father about to stand so he quickly placed his fingers on the keys and started playing.

'No stopping me today father. Heh, I win.'

Guests noticed his playing. They were all left in awe. The Prince had a hidden talent he was finally sharing with them all. Soon all see a pair dancing in the middle of the dining hall. Chichi and Landon moved along with the music. These young ones were breaking the rules today. But it wasn't taken in a bad light. Everyone began to reach for a partner and joined the young pair. The place was lit up with joy spreading everywhere.

Vegeta began to play the piece he did for his mother in hopes a certain someone would hear. He occasionally looks up searching for the person he had not seen all day.

'I know you can hear this…Bulma.'

Bulma hurriedly continued to pack things away and help wash the dishes. It was her supposed punishment for arriving late. Wiping her brow, she sets the last plate down Taking off the apron she wore, she waves at one of the maids.

" This should be it. You can take them away."

" Oh, Miss Bulma! You should go out and see what's happening in the dining hall."

Bulma grows curious and heads over to the hall. As she approaches, she hears music. She pokes her head out to the side and sees pairs dancing. A certain someone was at work behind the piano. She growled. That Prince Vegeta! He knew this was her weakness. She steps away and balls her hands into fists. Now what? She looks to her right and spots a pair of stairs leading up. She knew now what to do. Smiling, she runs off and goes up the stairs.

Vegeta was on the fourth piece as he was about to begin the fifth, he looked up. His fingers stop hitting the keys as he spots a figure above spinning and twirling about at the top level. He shakes his head and chooses a different piece. The aqua-haired woman's dance was for his viewing pleasure. As he plays, he stares up at the person he waited to see all day. She moved freely and delicately. Maybe it wasn't going to be so bad today after all.

Landon and Chichi continued their dancing. Chichi sees he is having a good time. Maybe he did change over the years. As he twirls her once more, Chichi decides to end it. She knew he meant well but she didn't want to continue this. So she stops as he raises his brows also stopping.

" Landon let's take a break."

Chichi then slips her hands from Landon's. He nods and walks behind her. She turns and smiles.

" I'd like to get some fresh air alone if you don't mind."

Landon stops and says " Sure. I'll be waiting for you."

Chichi exhales and walks off towards the back doors. She decides to slip away to her hiding spot. The rose garden. She needed time away from the lively atmosphere inside. The sun had set, and darkness was about to envelop the lands. Chichi didn't mind it. Laying by the roses and looking up at the twinkling stars alone was peaceful for her. She sits down on the soft grass and inhales the sweet floral scent of the roses. She felt her mind easing away. If only Bulma wasn't so busy, she would have asked her to join in.

'She should have arrived on time. I'm sure she regrets it.' Chichi thinks, a smile forming on her lips.

Staring up at the skies, she begins humming to herself. Few stars twinkled more than others. She tilts her head aside as she notices something strange. One of the stars grew larger. It seemed as if it was heading down right at her. How odd.

At that moment, Chichi kept her eyes fixed on it, when suddenly she felt a hand cover her mouth and an arm wrap around her torso. Panic rose inside her as she struggled to get out of the person's tight grip. Seeing it was useless, she tried crying out for help, but only muffled sounds came out. Slowly she was dragged away from the rose garden. Her heart began to pound harder as beads of sweat fell from her forehead. Tears began stinging her eyes.

'Someone please help me!' she thought as the unknown person continued dragging her away to who knows where.

Back at the castle-

Vegeta had just finished the last piece as he got up. He steps aside as all the people present erupt in applause. He takes a bow and goes back to the table where he sat earlier. He looks at his side and sees that Chichi isn't there. He leans back and shrugs his shoulders. Finally, he had a bit of free time. Looking out at the crowd, he sees Landon with a look of worry plastered on his face. They make eye contact as he jogs over to Vegeta.

" Hey did you happen to see Princess Chichi come back in? I've been searching all over the place for her."

Vegeta raises a brow and frowns. " When was the last time you saw her?"

" When you were still playing. She told me she wanted to get some fresh air and went outside." Landon runs his fingers through his hair. " I wanted to go but she told me she wanted to go alone."

Vegeta takes a glance over at the Kings talking to some guest. Good, they were occupied. He stands up and just as he is about to walk off, he spots Bulma behind him. He froze and saw Bulma place her hand over her mouth. No, she must have heard.

" You sent her off all by herself? How could you do that Prince Landon!" Bulma's shouts were heard by everyone as all eyes were fixed on them.

'Wretched woman! Why did she shout that out loud?!' Vegeta grits his teeth as he sees the Kings coming over to them.

" I'm going out to find her myself!" Bulma shouts as she runs to the front doors.

" What's the meaning of all this?" The Ox King is the first to speak as King Vegeta's eyes land on Vegeta. " Yes, what did she mean to find her son?"

He had no choice now. All eyes were on him. So much for his plan of secretly asking Kakarot to search for her. He lets out a long sigh and eyes both the Kings.

" Someone just informed me that they haven't seen the Princess. She has been gone for some time now."

The Ox King's eyes grew as his face turned pale. His daughter had gone missing? The Ox King called out for his soldiers to come. The men came immediately and stood in line before the King.

" I want you all to search high and low for my daughter right now! Do you all hear me?!"

The men bow as they head out the doors to the back. King Vegeta shakes his head and chuckles.

" What? Do you find this amusing that my daughter's missing?"

King Vegeta raises his hand as a small blue sphere appears. He calmly lowers his hand.

" No, but I did tell you my men were going to protect the castle. Did I not? They will be the ones to search. Your soldiers should stay here and keep guard inside." He turns away and begins to speak directly at the sphere. " Kakarot something has just occurred here. The Princess has gone missing. I want you and your best men to go search for her around the Kingdom. When you have found her inform me immediately."

After a moment of silence, the commander finally responds. " Yes sir, I'm on my way now!"

" Everyone remain calm. None of you leave this castle until the Princess's return." King Vegeta speaks out as he crosses his arms over his chest. " All has been set. Now we wait."

Vegeta had run off with Landon trailing behind him. He had to stop Bulma from leaving the castle. Of course, nobody paid attention to her departure. His father flashed his calm demeanor and the Ox King entered panic as always. How these men have kept these Kingdom's standing was beyond him. He takes a glance back and sees Landon. He didn't want this man to see him with Bulma. So, he abruptly stops and turns to face him.

" Landon you don't have to worry. Our soldiers are more than capable of finding her."

" But I can't just stand around and do nothing. This is my fault!"

" No, it isn't, she asked you to leave her. You agreed to her wish. So now make yourself useful and go help at the dining hall."

Frustrated, Landon runs a hand over his face and nods. He turns and runs back the way he came. Vegeta waited until he was out of sight and shot towards the front. He figured Bulma was heading that way. Moments later, Vegeta had finally found her. He shouts out for her to stop as he catches up and stands before her.

" Don't you dare go out there. This isn't something you should get involved in."

Bulma scrunches up her nose and points a finger at him. " I'm going to go find her! I'm her lady and have the duty of protecting her! So, move aside!"

Vegeta places his hands on her upper arms. He firmly grips them making her unable to move. He stares right into her cerulean eyes.

" I will not move." He says in a low tone that makes Bulma stop moving. " You will remain here. Do you hear me?"

Bulma pulls away as she clenches her teeth. The Prince wasn't going to let her leave. Now she would have to stay here waiting.

'Kakarot you better make this quick.' Vegeta thinks as he watches Bulma pace back and forth.

Over with the Saiyan soldiers-

" I want you three to go west and you four to go east! I will search up north on my own!"

" Yes sir!"

Kakarot separates from his team of soldiers. Running through what appeared to be an endless road ahead, Kakarot activates his energy source from his body. His body emits blue flames that serve as his light. He couldn't believe this. How was he not aware of this kidnapper? Thinking about it angered him. His senses were at their peak. Nothing could get past them or so he thought. He weaves past a few homes, jumps onto a bolder, and springs a few feet ahead. His boots land over the dusty road and he continues his run. Looking to his sides, he spots nothing. Just as he was about to take a turn, he heard some muffling sounds coming up ahead. He decides to check it out and lowers his power. Walking slowly, he hides at the side of a home. Cautiously, he peeks over the edge. His eyes widened at what he saw. The kidnapper was dragging away the Princess. Her head hung low, and she looked like she was in a weak state. He then sees her lift her head. She had a tear-streaked face with a look of helplessness. Kakarot's hands turned into fists in that instant. Then came the trigger that set him off. He watched as the cloaked person tightened their arm around the body of the Princess. The sound of her muffled scream and then of her body being thrown aside. That was it.

Killing was about to commence.

Kakarot plunges into action as he runs directly at the cloaked individual with a fist ready to collide. Chichi gasped for air at that moment, coughing aside as she tried to catch her breath. She takes the last deep breath in as she turns to see a figure standing a few feet away. She also sees a body lying on the ground. Her body began shaking uncontrollably. A wave of fear entered her. Then a burst of blue flames came from the standing figure. Her eyes grow. The figure resembled the faceless silhouette she had seen in her vision. She stopped breathing when she saw the person turn around.

Her eyes meet with a pair of glowing turquoise eyes. Kakarot was standing right before her. He was staring at her with concerned eyes.

" Are you well Princess?"

Chichi tried to answer but couldn't from the shock. She sees that the cloaked person has leaped back to their feet. They swiftly moved aside and headed her way. Kakarot quickly acts and grabs ahold from behind. He sends the figure flying back to the ground. Getting up back on his feet, he tries to steady his breathing.

" What's with you? Why are you after the Princess?" He asks between breaths.

The figure stands once more. This time it reaches back and takes out a hidden dagger. The dagger suddenly turns blue as it aims at Kakarot. He moves away but the figure follows stabbing Kakarot right on the shoulder. It moves the dagger slowly down cutting through Kakarot's flesh. Kakarot ignores the pain and kicks the person away. He grabs hold of the weapon that was dug into his skin and forcefully pulls it out. He feels a great amount of pain but keeps himself up. Throwing the weapon aside, he regains his balance. Warm blood flowed down his aching shoulder.

Chichi couldn't believe what was happening. She had never seen something like this. Just seeing the blood running down Kakarot's wound made her feel dizzy. She tried to shake it away but couldn't. Soon she faints as everything goes dark.

Chichi regains consciousness as she hears footsteps. She felt a pair of arms carrying her. Opening her eyes, she sees she's being carried up the stairs to the back doors. Did she escape that horrible nightmare? Then she remembers that Kakarot was with her. Looking up, she notices that she is being carried by Kakarot. He glances down at her and then focuses his attention ahead.

" I'm glad you've awoken, Princess Chichi."

Chichi then sees they are at the last step and are entering the back doors. They go through and see crowds of people in silence staring at them. She had safely returned home. She hears the cries of people around her.

" Princess! I'm so glad you've returned!"

" Sweetheart! I was so worried!"

" Princess Chichi forgive me for leaving you alone!"

She couldn't make out who was shouting those words. Her focus was entirely on Kakarot who carefully set her down. She felt a pair of arms pulling her away as she watched Kakarot holding his shoulder. He gives her a weak smile as he slowly falls to the floor. Chichi noticed he had other injuries. She couldn't believe these people weren't offering him help. She wanted them to attend to his wounds. Just before she had a chance to speak, a doctor and nurse frantically took her away. A thought ran through her mind at that moment.

'I asked for someone to save me today.' Chichi kept her eyes on the man who sat on the floor.

'Kakarot saved me.'

And that is it! I hope you guys liked it. Hmm looks like Chichi's connecting the dots. Bulma's been going to the doctor. Why though? Vegeta's acting chill for once. Could there be a reason why? How come Kakarot didn't destroy this cloaked person in one go? Did something happen to him? Ah, so many questions that need answers. Continue to read to find out!

Please leave a review! Thanks :)

*A-N-Lights