Daughter of the Dragons

 

**Part Two**

 

The princess smiled when gentle hands came to rest upon her shoulders.

 

“I pray thee princess, How are you this glorious day?” asked a warm and caring voice.

“Just fine, mother.” She replied.

“Tell me then. Has the ocean spoken to you today? Have the playful water sprites come to share their secrets and stories that have been concealed in the sea for so long?” The queen asked while looking out toward the water.

“Nothing but silence.” Bra answered after letting out a small sigh.

“Well, if you wait patiently, then I’m sure that you will get an answer to your deepest questions.” Bulma said trying to cheer up her daughter.

“Zyron’s Tournament of Preeminent Kings will be held in Valon this time… won’t it?” inquired Bra.

“Yes. And Korolon’s king will be on his way here soon as well. The queen and their youngest will accompany him.” Answered the loving mother.

“Yes, I know. It’s been sometime since I last saw King Goku and his family.” Bra smiled at what she could remember about the kind king and his relatives.

“Yes it has. We are all looking forward to their visit.” Bulma smiled to Bra and then glared at Vegiita who was now standing behind them.

“What??” asked Vegiita, confused about why he got such a hard look.

“Oh come now, Father. You know you look forward to seeing an old friend.” Giggled Bra.

“Hmpf. Hardly.” Vegiita replied and Bulma gave him another look that was worse than the first.

“Alright, alright. I do. It will be good to see Goku again… Happy??” Vegiita said while rolling his eyes. Bra and Bulma smiled at the king and he sighed.

“See? That wasn’t so hard.” Bra pointed out while hugging her father.

 

Korolon was the other great kingdom in Zyron. The two kingdoms were totally unsurpassed. They both flourished in power and excellence. Valon and Korolon were allied kingdoms and together were the greatest influence to Zyron. Vegiita and Goku practically ruled all of Zyron. Even though they both possessed such power, they never dreamed of taking complete control of the entire land. Their own kingdoms were sufficient enough to satisfy their happiness. Neither of them even knew what they would even do with that much control. They were just fine ruling their own kingdoms.

 

The Tournament of Preeminent Knights. This challenge was held every five years. Korolon and Valon alternated where the tournament was going to be held. This year it was Valon. When the tournament was held in Korolon, Vegiita and his family would go to visit Goku and watch the tournament. Now that it was going to be held in Valon, Goku and some of his family were coming. Bulma was also looking forward to seeing Korolon’s queen. Her and Chi Chi were good friends. They had been for a long while. Goten was going to visit as well. He, himself, insisted. Not only was he going to participate in the tournament, but was also hoping to spend some time with his best friend. Trunks and Goten were friends practically since birth. When they visited each other, they were inseparable. Bra had only seen the family once, that is to say, that she could clearly remember. Goten didn’t come the last visit. Goku’s granddaughter, the princess, Pan, had come. From what Bra remembered, the two girls became good friends. This would be the first real time that she would meet Korolon’s youngest prince.

 

~*~

 

Trunks smiled as he felt the warm rays of the sun break through the leaves of the trees and stroke his face. He enjoyed the forest. The playful animals, the beautiful plants, and the cooling shade that the tall trees provided. He loved it all. It was like a second home for him. He would spend most of his day exploring the forest, hoping to see something new everyday. Even if he didn’t he would still enjoy the excursion.

 

Today he felt a little more… risky. Every other time that he had come to his forest, he would stay on the trails. Every day he would choose different one to go down. But today, he felt like taking a chance. He decided not to go down the trails. He would wander off somewhere else. Become a voyager and create his own trail.

 

Trunks opened his eyes and stepped off the dirt road. He walked on for about another half an hour through “untouched” territory. As he walked, he admired every leaf, every rock, and every animal that he saw. He relished in the untouched earth. He would never dream of hurting any of it. How could anyone even want to destroy such beauty? He thought to himself. He smiled and sat down on a large rock and rested a bit.

 

“How can anyone even dream of it?” He said as he finished his thought out loud.

 

He looked up and saw a small forest sprite hovering above him. He smiled and held up a hand. The curious fairy landed on the open palm and continued study the prince. It jumped onto his shoulder and started to sift through his long, lavender hair, gently tugging and moving it around. Trunks chuckled as he watched the pixie. His smile vanished when he heard a loud cry. When the echoing yell reached the prince, the sprite jumped behind Trunks’s neck. He quickly stood and gently took the sprite from hiding and placed it on a nearby branch as he began running towards the cries. The bellows were that of an animal. A frighten animal, one that sounded like it was in pain.

 

When he reached the source of the wails, Trunks stopped dead in his tracks. A creature, no less than 3 feet tall and about 6 feet in length from head to tail, glimmering black scales, and severe yellow eyes. A small dragon struggled to release its neck from a snare. It had tangled itself in the rope trying to get free, which limited it’s movement and only frightened it more. Trunks slowly approached the infant dragon so as not to put the creature in more shock. The dragon saw as the prince walked towards it. It jumped back as far as the rope would let it. Trunks kneeled in front of it and slowly reached out his hand. The dragon was helpless and could do nothing but wait for the oncoming torment. To its surprised, all it received was a gentle stroke on the head and a soft reassuring voice.  It became a little calmer and seemed to understand that the stranger was there to help. Trunks untangled the animal’s legs from the rope and lifted its head to see the skin red from the constant rubbing and pulling. Each time the dragon would struggle the tighter the noose got, cutting its breathing to a minimum.  Trunks could see the creature was having a hard time as its chest rose and fell rapidly, trying to circulate oxygen. About to cut the rope around the dragon’s neck, he took out a small dagger that was strapped to his leg and moved it forward. When the dragon child saw the blade it immediately began to move away once again as far as it was able. It continued to cry out for help. It was already at the very end of the rope so didn’t get much farther away from the prince. Before Trunks could try to calm it down once more, he felt the sharp edge of cold steel against his bare neck.

 

“Back away from the dragon…” A voice spoke out in rile.

 

Slowly the prince stood up, the steel never moving from its place on his skin.

 

“I swear that if any of you ever try to hurt any dragons in this forest again then you will all die by the blade of my father’s sword!” The voice became harder and fiercer, “I will not allow any of you to hurt them.  If you must hunt, then track down a unicorn or a manticore. Those I care nothing of. But if any blood from a dragon is spilled I will have your head on a silver platter for the rest to feast upon!”

 

“I was only trying to free it. I would nev-“ Trunks faced the holder of the sword as he tried to explain his actions. When he saw the face of the person he trailed off.

 

“Well… If it isn’t his royal princeness…” said the warrior said with a smirk, “Run out of helpless damsels to save? Is that why you are hunting my dragons?” the arm that held the sword against Trunks’s neck began to tremble a bit and let the sword meet the ground. Then the dragon defender gripped it where it was bandaged.

 

“I’m not hunting dragons. I was trying to free it from the trap…” Trunks explained while pointing to the black lizard that was now hiding behind its guardian.

“Don’t expect me to believe such lies just because you are royalty…” the person retorted with a grimace, “…or because you helped me earlier…”

“It’s not a lie. I’m telling you the truth. I wouldn’t –“ Trunks was cut off but the whistling of an arrow. It barely missed his face before it hit the tree he was standing next to.

 

“You! Get away from my dragon!!” yelled a far off voice.

 

The two looked in the direction of the voice to see a small group of men approaching them. Trunks looked back at the girl.

 

“Now do you believe me??” He asked still trying to prove his innocence.

“Oh shut up and run!” Said the familiar girl as she swung her sword into the tree and cut the restraint that held the dragon.

 

Trunks looked back at the looming group of hunters and ducked as another arrow flew in his direction. He ran after the girl and the dragon following them to where ever they led him. The stopped at a dead end stonewall.

 

“Draekon, can you fly?” the girl asked the dragon.

 

To this, the dragon stood and spread its wings.

 

“Good! Now go!” She demanded.

 

The dragon only looked at her. Trunks turned around when he heard the men yelling behind them. The let another arrow fly. This one was headed straight for the dragon. Before the steel edge of the arrow sunk into the dragon’s flesh, the female warrior reached out and caught it.

 

“You fool! Why haven’t you left yet!?” She yelled.

 

The dragon did nothing but continued to stare.

 

“No! You’re too weak! Get lost!!” the girl continued to yell now even angrier.

“What’s wrong? Why isn’t he leaving?” asked Trunks.

 

The dragon growled inwardly at the girl. She glared back at it and then rolled her eyes.

 

“I swear, Draekon, if I wasn’t your guardian, I’d kill you myself!” she looked at Trunks, ”Get on.” Trunks gave the girl a confused look. “Don’t you start with me! Get on the dragon!”

 

She yelled at Trunks and then leaned back to dodge and arrow that ricocheted off the wall. When she was upright again she pulled out her dagger and threw it back at the approaching men. The blade found a resting place in a warm bloody shoulder. After she let go of the dagger she got on Draekon in front of Trunks and the dragon took off just quick enough that the remaining arrows missed. When they were in the air the girl patted the dragon on the shoulder.

 

“You stupid creature…” She shook her head and looked at Trunks behind her. “Lend me your dagger.”

 

Trunks did as she asked and she cut the rope around its neck. Happy that it was finally able to breath properly once more, the dragon roared in delight. The warrior smiled and returned the dagger.

 

“My, my, my. Such fancy craftsmanship…” She said examining the piece. “Aren’t you afraid to get it dirty?”

“No. Not at all.” Trunks answered.

“Of course not. You’ll probably just throw this away when you get back to your castle right? Being a prince and all you could probably have one made identical to it everyday…” she replied cynically as she handed it back. “Alright you dim-witted dragon, this is far enough. We can walk the rest of the way.”

 

In reply to her comment, the dragon snorted, but still did as he was told. He landed in a slightly open clearing. They were still in the forest but far enough away from the huntsmen. The two got off the black beast and started to walk. The dragon nudge the girl’s shoulder and she turned to hug its head.

 

“I’m glad you’re okay too. Now tell me, was Sir Saves-a-lot helping you? Or was he trying to take you away from me too?” she inquired to Draekon as she looked over to Trunks. Trunks rolled his eyes at his new nickname and smiled.

 

Draekon walked over to Trunks and the girl watched. Trunks looked at the dragon and waited to see what it would do. Draekon nosed his way underneath Trunk’s hand and stopped when it rested on top of its head. The girl smiled a bit and then bowed on one knee.

 

“Thank you, your majesty. I didn’t really care for your help this morning, but Draekon means a great deal more to me than myself. For this I give you my deepest and most sincere gratitude.” She said to the prince as she bowed her head.

 

Trunks patted the dragon’s head and walked over to the girl.

 

“Well, you can be sincere after all, can’t you?” Trunks replied. The girl looked up and smirked.

“Don’t get too used to it.” she snickered.

“Trust me, I won’t. Now, I’ve only one favor to ask of you.” Trunks said as he helped her to her feet. “Two actually.”

“You don’t want me to kiss you again… Do you??” the girl inquired as she raised her eyebrows at the thought. Trunks’s eyes went wide at the fact that she brought that up. He tried all he could to repel the memories so as not to blush.

“No… I want you to refer to me by my name… Not Prince, not your highness, not anything, only Trunks. Just…Trunks.” He said smiling “And I want to know your name. You never got a chance to tell me and I would still like to know it.”

 

The girl smiled and looked away.

 

“Why? Were you not satisfied with Celeste?” she smirked “Were you not taken by her beauty and high regards for royalty?” she looked back at Trunks with a grin as she waited for his answer.

“Who? OH! You mean that girl from this morning??” he replied with a joking smile. The girl laughed at his response.

“Very well then. Since I’m the only one that has been on your mind today, I guess you could at least learn my name.” She sneered at Trunks pleased with her snappy comeback. Trunks smiled. “I am, what most of the land knows me as, The Daughter of the Dragons. But you, Trunks… can call me Jade.”

“Unbelievable. You are the Wingless Wyvern, huh?” Trunks said in amazement.

“In the flesh…” Jade extended her arms and bowed slightly.

“Then I am merely nothing compared to you. I am nothing but a lowly prince, a higher human in status. While you, you are like the princess of a great race of being. The dragons, the symbol of magic itself, an item of power and finesse all in one.” Trunks kneeled and kissed Jade’s hand.

 

Jade blushed, surprise at the way he reacted to her title. Trunks stood and gazed into her eyes. She was speechless. He moved closer to her and she could feel his soft breath on her face. Trunks moved back some of her hair and continued his perpetual gaze. Jade closed her eyes waiting. It seemed inevitable. She knew that was what was coming. As she waited for his kiss, she remembered the one that she gave him earlier that day. She normally wouldn’t have done it, in fact, she wasn’t even attracted to the prince, but she knew it would get under Celeste’s skin. She would do anything to make anyone who annoyed her mad. But what she didn’t expect was that she would enjoy the kiss. That was the only reason it lasted as long as it did. When she first kissed him he hindered. But later, he seemed to be comfortable with it. It was almost as if he was kissing her back. She could feel it. His tender lips, they way they seemed to fit hers. It was almost as if she was reliving that one moment, because she could smell is sweet skin and all that was left to make it perfect was the kiss.

 

She waited. Nothing. No movement, no touch, not a sound or anything. She opened her eyes again to see Trunks’s face still as close as it was before. Only this time he was smirking.

 

“We’re even.” Trunks said without any movement.

“Oh! You jerk!” Jade yelled in realization that he was playing with her.

 

Trunks laughed and Jade punched him in the shoulder. It hurt and he held his shoulder where it was now throbbing, but it was too funny he couldn’t stop laughing. She trudged away angry at the cruel joke that he played on her.

 

“That wasn’t funny!!” She yelled out.

“Your right.” He replied running up to her. When she turned to hear his apology, he looked at her. “It was hilarious!!” He laughed again. Jade’s jaw dropped and she crossed her arms angry again. “Aw, come on. Don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry… but you do have to admit… It was pretty good!”

 

Jade looked at Trunks and saw his smiling face. She couldn’t help but smile.

 

“Alright, fine! I’ll let it go this ONE time. And that’s only because I did the same thing this morning. If it happens again… I’ll kill you.” She warned.

“That’s good enough for me.” Trunks replied.

“It better be.” Jade smirked.

 

They were silent for a bit but the came to an abrupt end when Jade began to feel a bit lightheaded. She blinked a couple times and then put a hand on a nearby tree for balance.

 

“Jade? Are you okay?” Trunks asked in concern. He held up his arms around her in case she was to fall.

“Yeah… I’m fine.” Jade answered, holding up a hand so Trunks would give her a bit of space. He complied and brought his hands back to his sides. “I just… feel… a bit…” She trailed off and then passed out.

 

She feel back but Trunks caught her. He carefully laid her on the ground and held her slightly upright.

 

“Jade?? Are you okay? Jade?” Trunks inquired gently shaking her trying to get her to open her eyes.

 

She said nothing but lay limp in his arms. He picked up her legs and carried her. He looked at Jade and sighed. The curious dragon approached the prince while he cradled Jade close to his chest. He looked at Trunks with inquisitiveness in his eyes.

 

“She’ll be fine, Draekon. She just needs to get some rest… I don’t know why in the world she passed out though. It’s alright. You lead the way and I can carry her.” Trunks told the dragon.

 

The dragon stared at the prince and then looked at the sleeping upholder. Draekon then turned and continued to lead the prince home.

 

**End Part Two**