Hello, I'm back with a new chapter. I know it's been a very long time since I uploaded. To be honest I had writer's block and then summer came along. But I hope this can make up for the delay. I hope you enjoy it!

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

Dark to light

All the princess could do in bed was toss and turn. Hours ago, she had signed an agreement to marry, pretend to be happy through the feast hosted, kidnapped, and became the center of attention. Her inability to sleep was expected. Chichi gives up, tossing the bed linens aside. Getting out of bed, she tiptoes toward the doors that lead to her balcony. She becomes aware of her bare feet due to the chill from the ground. Paying no attention to it, she quietly turns the door knobs down and steps out.

Outside, everything was quiet. There was nothing but the silver moon to light up the dark skies. Chichi hugs herself to stay warm as a chilly breeze blows through. She stared up at the wide-open sky and thought of only one person. The mere thought of him fills her with worry and guilt.

Turning her back to the skies, she lowers her head in thought. Where might he be? Did anyone treat his wounds? It was unfortunate that she was dragged away before she could question him about what had happened to her after she fainted. She ran through the entire scene in her mind. He throws himself into the fray with courage and gets her out of the cloaked person's grasp. She has another thought. The man she saw in her vision seemed so familiar to him. If only she could have seen the man's face. Her cheeks heated up, and her heart quickened. Did she want that man to be Kakarot? Chichi's eyes tingled and her head started to hurt at that very moment. She falls to the ground, too weak to return to her room. Then, in seconds, a burst of intense light engulfs her and draws her in.

Vision Chichi's POV

I slowly open my eyes. I realized I was not on my balcony anymore after taking in the surroundings. I recognized this place immediately. The vision was similar to the one before. The difference was it was in an endless white room. A room that holds nothing. Standing, my eyes wander around. I felt my throat drying as I placed my hand over my chest. Fear began taking over as I licked my lips—no point standing still. I take one step, then the next. I then increased my speed until I was running. I could not remember how far I had run. I remained trapped in this empty room. As I bend over to catch my breath, my fingers make contact with the dress I wore. I didn't even notice it.

The cloth felt silky to the touch when rubbed between two fingers. Delicate and smooth. It was grey with a design of rosy blossoms at the bottom. I sit on the ground and extend my legs. Like before, I was barefoot. My eyes go back to look at the design. I run my finger over the floral pattern. I am so distracted by it that I fail to notice the feet next to me. My eyes travel up from the feet to the face. What I saw left me speechless. There stood a man in a robe staring down at me. The same concerned eyes I saw of the one who saved me. Kakarot.

I shook my head, not believing my eyes. I scooch back a bit as he gives me a puzzled look. His lips slightly parted as his eyes looked at mine.

" It's you…how can this be?" He asks, extending his hand to me.

" It can't be... Kakarot? How are you here?" I ask as I see Kakarot's excited eyes shift to disappointment.

I take hold of his hand as he helps me up. I smooth out my dress and glance at him. He rubbed his neck, trying his best to avoid looking at me. I clear my throat as he sighs quietly.

" I'm sorry, I'm not this Kakarot you speak of."

I couldn't believe the words that left his mouth. How could it not be him? He was identical to Kakarot! I looked him over again, paying close attention to his hair, facial features, and body structure, and I did notice a slight change. The bangs on his forehead were shorter from the front and longer on the sides. His jaw wasn't as chiseled, and his muscles weren't as large. He also had a small mole under his left eye. I suppose he was a little different. Why is he here, though?

" Sorry for causing you confusion. I just thought you were…" I see his eyes lower sadly. " Someone dear to me. You look quite similar to her."

" I-I do?"

" Yes, it's a shame I don't have my pen." He says shyly to me as he tightens the slash around his waist. " I could have drawn her."

I then see a faint light surrounding me. The man's eyes grew in horror as he backed away from me. I tried to lean forward but couldn't budge. I could not lift my feet off the floor. I looked back up at the man as he began to shout.

" Fate has chosen the next to proceed with us...why must this continue to happen?! When will there be an end?!"

I see him grab his head for a second and then look at me. I started to see him fade away, and I could barely hear what he said next.

"You mustn't let him fall in...with you! Avoid and ignore those...you have! If you do, it will cause... for you and-!"

The figure vanishes in thin air as I regain sight.

End of vision

Chichi places a hand on her forehead. She shut her eyes, hoping the headache she was having would disappear. After waiting a bit, she felt no change and decided to lie on her bed. She manages to get up and heads in. She doesn't bother closing the balcony doors. Once at her bed, she gets in and pulls the bed sheets over her shoulder. Her head was hurting as she closed her eyes. She had a bad feeling. She was going to forget everything she saw in her vision. She could have written it down, but couldn't fight the urge to sleep. She fell into a deep sleep, knowing it had won the battle.

Meanwhile, there was someone else who was wide awake. Even in pain, the young man was busy attending to his wounds. Wounds not only physically but also emotionally. He had assumed there might have been a cost involved in both directions, but that was not the case. He puts the final bandage on his arm in frustration and reclines in his chair. Staring at a lit-up candle standing on the table, he thinks back to last night.

Kakarot was still wondering about the rescue the day before and how it had cost him his commander's title. He sees the flame swaying back and forth. The same was happening in his mind. He kept debating whether it was worthwhile to save the princess or if he ought to have allowed someone else to do so. Leaning back, he covers his eyes with his forearm. His hard-earned title was gone, and he felt lost. He smiles sadly, swallowing the knot in his throat. Anyone who knew would say to move on. But that title was something he had strived for since he was a young child. There was just no way he could discard it. It was part of his life.

He lived with his parents in a small house when he was younger. Kakarot also had an arrogant older brother. His parents also gave him a lot of credit for everything. Kakarot was regarded as inferior. This made him more determined to please his parents in everything. But he was never noticed, regardless of what he did. He eventually got used to it, until two soldiers visited them one day. Each home having sons was required to have them trained to serve the King. That afternoon, Kakarot's parents made it crystal clear who they favored. They asked if they could send one son and if it could be the youngest. Soldiers told them it was allowed, but the chance of survival was slim. Without another word, they offered Kakarot to take their eldest place. A young child wasn't prepared for what was to come. His innocence and naivete were taken at a tender age.

It was declared when he got there that they were to become soldiers. He met the leader that day, the commander of all. Everyone obeyed the man's orders and showed respect for him. It was like he was second to the King. Kakarot believed he would at last receive his parents' approval if he succeeded in becoming commander. That became his objective, but he was unaware of the hardships he would face in gaining that role. It contained hunger, thirst, anguish, and the trauma of witnessing men just like him killed daily. Surviving then became everything. Little by little, he had to let go of certain emotions. By the time he turned seventeen, he had learned to control them. He escalated quicker than the rest up in ranks, doing missions until finally, the day came. Kakarot was informed he would receive training. He would be the royal guard in addition to being the commander. He was pleased with the news that he had asked for leave before taking the position. They allowed it, and so he went back to his home. Expecting to see his family, he finds the home abandoned. He discovered they were killed years ago after speaking with a few locals. Sadly, all the work and effort he put in to gain approval is gone. That day, he decided to leave and never return.

He drops his arm and gets up from the chair, shaking his head. Kakarot sees the small home from all angles. Chuckling, he slowly walks around. He was here again. There was no point in lying to himself. This place was the beginning of his journey. He could never forget it. Settling down on the small bed near a large window, he leans forward. A stabbing pain shoots through his posterior, more precisely through his shoulder. Carefully, he lies down on his side. The memory of the event came rushing back. He thought back at what happened after the stab and the Princess fainting.

Flashback to fight

" Princess!" Kakarot grits his teeth as he watches the princess fall back.

He knew it wasn't safe to continue with her lying unconscious on the ground. His strength suddenly fails him, but he still reaches her and flees. The person in the cloak follows quickly behind. Kakarot held the young woman closely. He would get her back to her family no matter what.

"I don't know you or who sent you, but I won't let you have her!" Kakarot shouts back over his shoulder.

The figure in the cloak was now only inches away from him. He saw the man lift his hand, a knife clenched firmly. It lunged in and slashed Kakarot's body all over. He becomes so affected by it that he eventually trips and falls. He knew running was no good. As a result, he protects the princess until he has enough energy to launch one final blow. He sensed that the person in the cloak was attempting to push him aside and seize the princess's arm. He jabs an elbow in the cloaked person's face, then kicks it back with both feet. It causes the person to fall. Kakarot took advantage of the opportunity without delay. His body erupted into flames, and he held a massive, specially crafted sword. He draws his final bit of energy and hoists the sword above his head. The cloaked figure took one blow and split in two, turning what was left to ashes.

"It's…over." He heaves out as the sword disappears along with the blue flames around his body.

After a few steps, he collapses by the Princess's figure, landing on his knees. His heart hammered hard against his chest, his lungs burned, and his body ached. He trembles and musters the last of his strength to pick the Princess up off the ground. He holds her in his lap and brushes the strains of hair from her face. Even though he was injured, he couldn't help staring down at the princess. It was the first time he had a chance to get a good look at her. He would also acknowledge the Princess's beauty. Any man would likely wish to be in the Prince's position. Shaking the thoughts away, he slowly gets up with the young woman in his arms. There was no time to waste. He had to take her back.

End of flashback

A sudden gust of wind burst through the window, causing a loud bang and snapping Kakarot from his thoughts. The flame from the candle suddenly goes out, leaving him in the dark.

'I suppose I'll have to get up. I'll make sure to close that window.' Kakarot thinks as he slowly rises.

He shuts the window all the way and locks it. He lights up another candle and moves it far away from the window. Laying back down once again, he closes his eyes from exhaustion. He decides to leave all that happened behind and get some much-needed rest.

Morning at the Kingdom of Fire-

" Princess Chichi! I have a tray the cooks made especially for you!" Bulma happily sang, entering Chichi's room.

Bulma uses her elbow to close the door and looks at the bed. She stops in her tracks at the Princess's state. Chichi sat in the middle of her bed. Her hair was loose, her skin complexion was pale and she had bangs under her eyes. Bulma knew what happened the day before was rough, but she never thought it'd affect the Princess this much. After she returned, she didn't look this bad. Bulma decides to take this opportunity to talk to the Princess about the event. Maybe she needed someone to vent to. They were here alone so the time was perfect.

Bulma quietly walks in and sets the tray down by the table beside the bed. She slowly sits at the edge of the bed and reaches out to put a hand over Chichi's. She notices the Princess doesn't react. She looked at Chichi's face. It seemed like she was in some trance. Bulma lightly shakes her hand as Chichi's eyes widen. She faces Bulma, startled. After a few seconds, she weakly smiles at her lady.

" Bulma, when did you get here?" Chichi asks, yawning as she tucks her hair behind her ear.

" Like a minute ago. I came as soon as I could with some of your favorite pastries. The cooks said they made them with an extra dash of love."

" That's very sweet of them but I'm not hungry." Chichi's eyes lowered to her hand Bulma was holding. Bulma gently rubbed her thumb over her hand.

" Princess, is something the matter?"

Chichi closes her eyes for a moment and looks up at Bulma's. A pair of worried eyes looked back at her. She wanted to be more cheery this morning. But this horrid headache was cutting her chances. All she wanted to do now was sleep. She knew Bulma wasn't just going to leave her like this. So, she tries her best to pull it together.

" Nothing alarming, I assure you. I woke with a headache this morning that's left me weak."

" Really? Did you injure your head? I can call a physician if you'd like." Bulma offers as she's about to get up. Chichi stops her and softly laughs, " No need. I was checked twice yesterday. I'm more than sure I'm fine."

Bulma gives her a puzzled look. " Then what may be causing your head to hurt?"

Chichi then remembers mentioning it. Great, she set herself up. Now, what excuse would she make? Even though she trusted Bulma, she felt this wasn't the time to share her vision with anyone. So she says it's the cause of stress.

" Maybe it's stress. No, it must be. If you were in my place, wouldn't you be stressed?"

Bulma ponders for a second and nods. " Yes, a little, I guess. Speaking of, if you don't mind sharing, what happens?"

Chichi felt her head not hurting as much and so decided to tell Bulma everything from the start to the moment she fainted. Bulma was so invested, that she forgot of the hot tea that was on the tray. It was now probably cold, along with the warm pastries. She remembers when she looks aside. She slaps her forehead.

" Aw Princess, I forgot about the tray. This whole event is just so interesting. I'll eat them in your place and ask if they can make more."

" It's okay, I told you I wasn't hungry, remember?"

Bulma groans as her shoulders lower. Chichi lets out a laugh as Bulma looks up. There was the bright face she wanted to see. She felt like she had made a huge accomplishment. It was a new record.

" You're right. Oh, and Princess, thank you for trusting me. I hope you didn't feel pressured."

" No, not at all. I feel much better now." Chichi pushes her sheets away and gets out of bed.

" Now could you get my bath started? I feel like after a bath, I'll be much better."

Bulma giggles as she swirls over to the bathroom door. " Yes, your Highness. I'll mix up the best-scented bath you've ever smelled!"

They go on the rest of the day with laughs and smiles. Unlike the Princess and her lady, the Prince and his royal guard weren't on speaking terms.

Kingdom of Light-

'How dare he say those things to me?!'

The Prince felt like he was thrown into a hot furnace. He was scolded by his father and now yelled at by his guard. He runs over to the large forest of trees where his secret place is. He didn't want to see anyone. He just wanted to be somewhere alone. Once reaching the building, he burst through the door and slams the door. Blinded by anger, he forgot this was where he had his mother's flower vase. He immediately takes a moment to take deep breaths. This was his escape place but also where he played for his mother. Instead of heading to the piano, he lies on a Recamier sofa in the back. He places an arm behind his head. He began to question what he said wrong to Kakarot to make him so upset. Either the man was being overly sensitive or there was something more. He remembers the conversation he had with his royal guard.

Flashback-

" Well if it isn't Kakarot? I thought you had quit after being demoted."

Kakarot was busy checking up on some of the swords in the arsenal. Those that weren't in good shape, he had set them aside to give to the blacksmiths. They had energy-fueled swords, but was recommended to have a regular one on hand. He tosses one in the pile over his shoulder. Ah, the Prince had found him.

" Hello Prince, nice to hear you haven't been affected by the event."

Vegeta walks over to where his guard is. He chuckles and points at the pile.

" I thought I saw that sword you used against the kidnapper. You might as well throw it. It'll just remind you of that day."

Kakarot stops and looks at the Prince. He straightens up and crosses his arms over his chest. " You're picking at me. You normally don't do that unless you're mad. Go on, what did your father say this time?"

" You know me too well." Vegeta runs his fingers through his hair. " He told me I'm useless as always. But what made me angry was the guests spread rumors about me. Now outsiders are talking of me being weak."

" Seems like it's not serious. I thought maybe he was going to take your leadership role away." Kakarot refocuses on the swords and begins to separate them from most damage to minor damage.

Vegeta's eyes narrow at his guard. Why did he bother saying something to him? Kakarot was thinking about himself and that position he lost. He couldn't understand why it was so important. He wasn't banned from the castle and still had his place as a royal guard. Vegeta then does something he never thought he'd ever do. He pushes Kakarot hard, making the guard almost fall.

" Kakarot, will you quit pitying yourself on losing that commander title? You're still royal guard. Be grateful for that."

Kakarot quickly makes it over to the Prince. He glares right at Vegeta.

" I am grateful for being a royal guard. But you don't understand how much that title meant to me. I worked hard for years to earn it. And it wasn't to boast about it or think I was better than anyone!" Kakarot steps back when the Prince's eyes narrow even more. " You think all this I'm going through is insignificant, but what are you doing? Complaining over a minor rumor that'll be forgotten in a week!"

Both glare at each other. Not one word was uttered. So Vegeta instead walks away, leaving the door slightly open. He catches Kakarot saying something that makes him furious.

" Not everyone is born with everything in their hands. Prince still doesn't realize that. When will he get past this childish phase and become a man?"

End flashback-

Vegeta sighs, reflecting on the last words Kakarot said. Was it true? Is he still acting like a spoiled brat instead of a grown man? He looks at the vase where a few flowers are in. They looked a bit wilted. Staring at the flowers, he wished his mother was alive to give him advice or an answer. Oh well, he was on his own. Getting up and taking the flowers out of the vase, he decides to pick up a fresh batch. He had nothing to do anyway.

A week later at Kingdom of Lights-

"Here we are once more. I now understand your lack of enthusiasm this morning." Bulma says, kicking the ground as she walks alongside the Princess.

Chichi adjusts her sun umbrella and looks over her shoulder. Bulma was throwing dirt everywhere. She looked down and noticed Bulma wearing her heavy, thick boots. She thought it was a little excessive, but Bulma insisted. She said they'd be handy if anyone tried to get near them. Chichi smiles, refocusing ahead.

The castle grounds came into view as Chichi and Bulma stared in awe. Someone went to work here. Fresh-cut, vibrant green grass spread wide across the courtyard. They slowly walk down a path made of stone, leading to a section of decorative tables and chairs. Bulma's cerulean eyes meet up with Chichi's. Both blink twice and continue to take in the rest. Bulma's curiosity got the best of her when she spotted the Queen's statue. She grabs the distracted Princess's hand as they head to the fountain.

"My goodness…it's even more beautiful than before," Chichi says, gasping as she walks around the fountain.

"How were they able to transform this place in a week? I compliment whoever was in charge."

Bulma peers into the fountain. Sparkling crystal waters with a touch of white lotus and white lilies float on the surface. She looks up at the Queen's statue. It looked stunning. The sun's rays strike it, making the fine details stand out. It must have gone through a deep cleaning. A wide smile spreads across her face as she points at a small garden on the far right.

"Princess, look there! They even have a garden!"

Chichi watches Bulma dash over, leaving her behind. She looks up at the vast blue skies. Maybe coming here wasn't going to be as hard. The Princess takes a look to her left. In the distance, she could see a figure and a dark horse. She closes up her umbrella and makes her way over.

'It's safe to explore here. King has guards everywhere.' Chichi thinks as she fully lets her hesitation drift away.

Once arriving, she hides behind a tree as her fingers graze over the rough bark. She peers to the side and sees it's Kakarot. Without noticing, she found herself smiling. Her heart slightly sped up at the view. He was busy brushing the mane of the majestic creature. His body wasn't stiff, and his face wasn't solemn. He was loose and smiling.

'It's so unusual to see Kakarot acting this way. I like seeing this side of him.' Chichi giggles as she watches. A memory of her vision comes back to her. 'That's right. The vision I had of Kakarot.'

She suddenly felt her cheeks grow warm and butterflies in her stomach. What was this strange feeling? She felt the same in the vision. She presses her cheek up against the tree. Trying to make sense of all this, she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She jumps back in fright and sees Kakarot's face. He raised a brow.

" Princess, I mean no disrespect but you are not allowed here."

Instead of responding, she stands still with an embarrassed expression. Her mind went completely blank. Puzzled, Kakarot makes his way to her. He stood before her, rolling his shoulders back. Dark eyes stare at each other briefly until Chichi lowers her head. This was too much.

" T-thank y-you." The princess stutters loud enough for Kakarot to hear.

" Thank you? What for?" Kakarot wondered, waiting for the Princess to look up. She remains in the same position, so he tries something else. He kneeled in front of her and looked up. He noticed embarrassment. " Why are you red, Princess? Was it because I caught you just now?"

Chichi throws her arms in the air. She musters the will to look up at Kakarot. " N-no! I was walking and happened to stumble into you!"

" No need to worry. I won't say a word. I'm not allowed to be here. So let's keep this between us." Kakarot turns around and walks off to the creature scraping the ground with its hooves. " There there, I'll finish up Ludy."

Chichi's arms instantly drop as she watches him get back to work. She shakes her head. Even though she was embarrassed, she felt something drawing her in.

'This is my chance. Maybe if I spend time with him, I'll find the answer I want. Vegeta won't mind me being gone.'

She makes her way to him and the lovely horse. She stands on her tippy toes, peering at Kakarot on the other side. He abruptly stops as he sees her holding a paddle brush in hand.

" Can I help?"

Meanwhile, Bulma was in her little paradise. Flower bushes bursting in color in every corner. She reaches out and plucks a ruby red one. The sweet floral scent tickles her nose. Spinning the flower between her fingers, she walks to the small pond. She kneels in front of it. Flat plates of rocks surround the pond. Inside the water, lilies float combined with flower petals. They float in harmony. Under the water, a few fish swam in all directions. Bulma carefully examines them. They appeared to be koi.

'These fish are hard to find around home. The waters aren't the cleanest. Oh, I wish I could take one. My father would have something to care for.' Bulma thinks as she softly giggles. 'Or he'd tell me to leave.'

As she sat there fascinated, she didn't realize a certain someone was heading right her way. The Prince had just come out to the courtyard. He expected to see the Princess and her lady waiting by the fountain. But no one was in sight. Not even his guard, but he knew Kakarot was still bitter. So he began to search. The second place was the small garden. Just as he was about to go in, he stopped. There kneeling by the pond, was the beauty he wanted to see. The rays shone over her silhouette. A warm glow surrounded her. Butterflies danced around in the air. She was alone.

'What is she doing here? I thought she had to stay by the Princess at all times.' Vegeta thought, then tugged at his collar. 'Might as well see what she's doing.'

He stands a few inches away and says "Not surprised seeing you here alone."

Bulma looks back and sees the Prince. She gets up and pats her dress.

"I was just taking a look is all. What happens here? Did someone tell your father to change things?"

"No, he made the decision and hired a head maid. Had a conversation with the Ox King."

"Oh, that's right. We were told he was stepping out for something important." Bulma says and points back at the pond. "Did he tell your father to do this?"

Vegeta goes into the hidden small garden. He didn't want to be caught. He motions Bulma to come closer.

"Somewhat. Said that the Princess would come back uninterested."

"Of course, you two were forced into this. What are they expecting?" Bulma watches a butterfly land on a flower. Then she hears the Prince ask. "Am I childish?"

Bulma snaps her head to look at the Prince. He was looking directly at her, arms crossed.

"Why do you ask?"

"I'd just like to know. Be honest."

Bulma lifts her hand as a butterfly lands on it. She then says, "We are all childish in our unique way. Some more than others. I know I am from time to time."

Vegeta then sees her flash a bright smile at him. "Come. Let's watch the koi swim."

He shakes his head as she takes hold of his hand. She pulled him over as they both sat by the pond together. Vegeta knew his father was busy at work in his office. Sitting here with Bulma for a bit wouldn't hurt. And he knew Kakarot probably went looking for Chichi. Why not stay here and enjoy this silence?

Both pairs remained separated for the remainder of the day until they parted. Today they left happier than any other day.

And that's a wrap! The ending I think felt a bit rushed but I got burned out. It's hard getting back into writing mode. So we're going to enter the friends stage. Thanks for sticking around :D

Please review if you get a chance!

*A-N-Lights