Daughter of the Dragons

 

**Part Five**

 

The sun had buried its light behind the horizon. The stains of red and orange had finally vanished and the skies were now a velvet blue that shimmered with diamond-like stars. The wind was silent and carried nothing but the sound of the gentle waves as they crawled up the shore sand and pull back to return once more. The silent princess stood and watched over her balcony as the reflection of the new moon danced on the sea surface.

 

“Oh Vegiita…” sighed the queen with concern, “What shall we do? Our children seem so… alone… and lost. Our dearest son wanders aimlessly into the trees of the forest hiding the pain that he feels from not having anyone of his own… And our beloved daughter mutely eyes the ocean waiting for that which she, herself, knows nothing of.”

“I’m afraid there’s nothing that we can do.” Vegiita answered while putting a hand across his wife’s shoulder, trying to comfort her, “It’s not our place to try and change the way that destiny has laid itself for them…”

“But… oh my husband… I’m afraid… What will happen to them? We should choose a wife for Trunks… He can grow to love her… There are many in the kingdom of Valon… and if none interests him… then there is always Korolon…” Bulma spoke, desperately trying to save her children from loneliness.

“Bulma… We can’t force them to love someone… It’s not natural. And if you ask me… none of the commoners are fit for a son like mine.” Retorted the king.

 

The queen sighed and rested her head on Vegiita’s shoulder.

 

“Yes… I guess you’re right… They have to find them on their own.” She whispered as the two of them watched their daughter stare out to the ocean.

 

“Your majesty, the king of Korolon and his family have just arrived at the castle doors.” Announced a soldier as he entered the doorway to the throne room.

“What?” the queen said with surprise, “This early?”

“Well, have you sent them this way?” Vegiita asked in a bit of a harsh voice.

“Nay sire, I shall summon them.” Answered the guard as he bowed and stepped back.

“Don’t trouble yourself. We know our way around.” Smiled Goku as he approached the throne room hallway.

 

Beside him, arms hooked with his, Chi-Chi stood with a smile. While on the opposite side of Goku, Goten stepped up.

 

“Goku! Chi-Chi! Goten!” Said Bulma excitedly, “Welcome back to Valon.”

“Thank you, Bulma.” Replied Chi-Chi as she hugged her dear friend.

“It’s good to see and old friend again.” Goku stated as he extended a hand.

“Likewise.” Vegiita said as he took it.

“Oh Goten… You’ve gotten so big… and grown into a very handsome young prince.” Bulma complimented while holing him out at arm’s length admiring at how much he had changed since she last saw him.

“Heh… Thanks.” The prince blushed.

“Oh dear… Trunks isn’t here. He’s gone out to the forest again and hasn’t returned yet…” Bulma spoke as she remembered, “You’ll have to wait to see him. Forgive me.”

“Oh, no. That’s alright. I can wait.” Goten smiled.

 

Bulma smiled back and started to talk to Chi-Chi again. Vegiita and his father were talking, so Goten was left just standing there. His eyes wandered around the throne room, trying to get familiarized with his surroundings once more, and then they went out towards the balcony. He noticed a girl standing outside just looking out to oblivion. Curiosity got the better of him and he found himself walking up next to her.

 

“The sky is clear tonight.” He spoke out, breaking the silence.

“…Yes… it is.” She replied, “You can see the stars.”

“Yes… You know… the sky is much like the sea.” Goten continued while looking up at the skies.

“How is that?” asked the girl as she brought her attention to the new face as he gazed up. “Well…” He looked down at her, “The sea is deep and no man has ever seen what lies on the ocean floor and lived to tell of it. So many different things could live on the bottom of the sea and we have no way of learning of them. Where the sky holds secrets of it’s own.”

“Like what?” the young girl grew curious.

 

Goten smiled at her interest.

 

“Like… Why the gods chose to live in the skies instead of living on earth.” He answered.

“Because they are a much greater being than us.” Said the girl matter-of-factly.

“Yes… that’s true… but why live in the sky when they could live here and send all others to live in the ocean, or some other place. This being only one mystery that puzzles me about the sky.” Goten said with a smile.

 

The girl’s eyes went wide with surprise. She had never thought of that. Why did the gods choose the skies when the earth was plentiful with beauty and life? How strange. The sky is like the ocean… Her train of thought was cut off by the young man’s voice.

 

“I’m Goten… Second prince of Korolon.” He said as he turned to her taking her hand, “Forgive me for saying, but… may I ask your name?”

“How rude of me… I am the princess, Bra.” She replied with a slight bow of her head after he kissed her hand.

“Could this be the very Bra that was in a cradle when I last visited?” He asked with a soft smile, “You’ve grown since I last saw you. I must say that I have no complaints about what I see before me. But wait…”

 

Goten stopped short and brought his hand up to Bra’s forehead. He moved her bangs out of her face and smiled.

 

“Yes… It’s the princess.” Goten said softly.

“I… I don’t understand.” Spoke Bra, hoping to get an explanation.

“Of all the women in Zyron that I’ve come across, the princess of Valon was the only who had eyes that shimmered like the stars.” He answered.

 

Bra looked away trying to hide a small blush that crept up on her cheeks. She didn’t understand what came over her. She had met so many suitors before that had complimented and compared her beauty, but none had ever made her… feel this way. Why was this so different? Before Bra could say as much as a thanks for Goten’s compliment, Bulma had come out on the balcony as well.

 

“You two should come inside. You’ll catch your death of cold.” Bulma said with a motherly concern.

“Princess?” Goten spoke as he held out an arm for Bra.

 

Bra smiled, took his arm and the two joined their parents inside.

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

The brawny, dark-armored man kicked over the cauldron of boiling water, causing the cook to jump back away from the steaming water, and him.

 

“I had that dragon!” He bellowed, “He was right in my grasp! But those foolish children had to ruin everything!”

 

The man clenched his fists and let out a boisterous yell. He rubbed the side of his face and traced a deep scar that ran down his cheek. He winced at the throbbing pain as he gently ran his fingers over it. He grimaced when a small and feeble man came running in his direction and tripped. The pathetic one fell on to the ground at the scarred and irate hunter.

 

“Kirn! You stupid fool! I sent you for water and you come back a day later…” He yelled to the cowering being before him, “empty handed!”

“Master Goram, please forgive me.” Shook, the small, Kirn.

“Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t behead you and provide a miniscule feast for the dogs!” Demanded Goram, as he reached for his sword.

“Dragons, sir.” Kirn answered in a dark and low tone, “I saw them.”

 

Gorams eyes went wide with interest.

 

“You saw dragons, did you?” Goram asked as he let got of his sword. Letting it slide back into its scabbard.

“Yes, Master Goram, when I left for the water. I went to the lake and saw a young man who carried a woman in his arms. He followed a black dragon.” Kirn spoke rapidly as he nodded, “When the girl awoke they left the lake and I followed.”

“A black dragon? A man and woman?” Goram interrupted while stroking his chin, “Those were the same ones that we lost!” He looked back down at the quivering man huddled at his feet. “Tell me, Kirn. Where did they lead you?”

“I followed them to a cave near the heart of the forest. When I caught up, the black dragon was now pale. But no! It was another! Later that night the mother came out with the humans. She was very big! A giant dragon!!” Kirn spoke with out taking a single breath. He was too overwhelmed with getting out all the information before Goram decided he was no longer needed.

“A giant was she?” Goram reiterated as he begun to smile. “One more thing, Kirn. Are the two humans protecting the cave?”

 

Kirn Grinned

 

“They left to Valon to participate in the tournament.” The squalid lackey snickered.

“Well done, Kirn. Very well done indeed.” Goram congradulated, “Men!” His voice now projected throughout the entire camp.

 

Everyone dropped what they had been laboring over and drew their attention to their ruthless leader.

 

“We will celebrate tonight! And you all have Kirn to thank for it!” Goram announced.

 

The camp became flooded with cheers and hollers from delighted workers.

 

“But,” Goram continued over the noise, “ There is work to be done afterwards…” The camp fell silent, “We will hunt down a family of DRAGONS!!”

 

Again the camp was full of whistles, yells and cheers as the prepared for a large celebration feast for the upcoming hunt.

 

~*~

 

They would have arrived at Valon much sooner, but they decided that they weren’t in a hurry and took their time, as they traveled down the unused paths.

They finally arrived at the gates during mid morning of the following day. The streets, of course, were as busy as ever. New travelers, and old, buying and bartering goods. Stall keepers arguing with customers about prices and trade values.

 

“Does this city ever sleep?” Jade asked with a smile.

 

Trunks chuckled and they continued down the street.

 

“Welcome back Prince Trunks.” Said Jared as they passed by his wares.

“Thank you, Jared.” Replied the prince.

“My! Such excellent craftsmanship in these pieces. Are they your work?” Jade inquired as she admired the works of steel and iron.

“Aye, they are! Jared is the most prized blacksmith in all of Valon!” Trunks complimented.

“Why sire… I don’t… think that my work is worthy of that much praise…” Jared replied with a slight blush.

“Nonsense. Trunks is the prince of Valon and whatever the prince says is set in stone.” Jade said, agreeing completely with the prince, “And I must say that the prince has a very good eye.”

“Aye, my lady. Forgive me for going against his majesty’s word.” Jared apologized and bowed respectfully.

“Well… see that it doesn’t happen again.” Teased the mischievous warrior.

“Jade, please.” Trunks chuckled, “Jared she doesn’t mean it.”

“Yes, Jared. I only jest.” She smiled, “My apologies, I didn’t mean to make you nervous. But I do agree that your work is most commendable.”

“Thank you, my lady” the blacksmith spoke.

“I am Jade.” She introduced, “Remember me, blacksmith, for I may return to purchase your fine wares.”

“Aye, lady. I shall.” Nodded Jared.

“We’ll return later, Jared.” Said Trunks, “We shall speak with you again then.”

 

The two smiled at the stall keeper and headed off.

 

A few steps away from the stall, Jade saw a quite familiar face looking at them. She abruptly grabbed Trunks’s arm and hugged it. Surprised, the prince looked to see why she had done that. When he looked over at her she wore the stupidest grin on her face and was happily waving out to someone. He looked up to see Celeste turning red with anger and clenching her fists. He smiled softly and gave a slight wave to her. She gritted her teeth when Jade hugged Trunks’s arm again and he took her hand.

 

“Shouldn’t I go and check out a room at the Inn?” Jade asked, ”I mean, so I’ll have a room before everyone comes to watch the tournament… and that way I won’t have to remember to do it later…”

“What?!” Trunks interjected, “What makes you think that I’m going to let you stay in an inn??”

“Huh?” Jade wasn’t sure if she heard the prince right or not.

“You’ll stay in the castle. We have tons of room.” He continued.

“But… I… I can’t!” Jade exclaimed.

“Well why not?” Trunks asked, wondering what kind of excuse she had thought up.

“It’s the castle of Valon!” She yelled out, throwing her hands up in the air.

“So?” the prince inquired, shrugging his shoulders.

“So?! Look at me! Did you forget that I’m not royalty?!” Jade bursted, unbelieving he asked the question.

“Did you forget that I am? Trunks shot back with a smile. He rested his hands on her shoulder and gently pushed her forward. “Now come on. Mother will be angry with me for being late as it is.”

“But… But I…” Jade said trying to find another excuse.

“I am the prince of Valon. And whatever the prince says is set in stone.” Trunks commented with a snicker while he continued to steer her farther down the busy streets.

“Oh ha ha… Very funny.” She said sarcastically.

 

He smiled and hugged her from behind. He had her arms pinned to her sides and he locked his grip.

 

“Hah! Now you have to do as I say, or I’ll never let you go.” He threatened.

“Never let me go?? Hmm… well I’m just going to have to think about that.” She answered with a mischievous smile.

“Oh, would you?” Trunks asked, smirking.

 

Before Trunks could add anything else he heard someone call his name.

 

“Trunks!!”

 

The two looked up in the direction of the call. Goten was running towards them. Trunks let go of Jade.

 

“Goten?” Trunks said softly.

“Goten?? Prince Goten?” Jade asked out loud.

 

Goten stopped in front of Trunks and smiled at him.

 

“Goten! It is you! What are you doing here so early? You aren’t expected to arrive until later today!” Trunks said as he gave his friend a brotherly hug.

“We decided to leave a bit early and surprise you. Turns out the prince decided to go missing.” Goten joked. “I was about to go looking for you.”

“Sorry.” Trunks apologized.

 

Jade had caught Goten’s attention and he smiled to her as well.

 

“And who is this?” Goten asked.

“This is Jade. She’s a very close friend of mine. I’m bringing her to stay at the castle until the end of the tournament.” Trunks introduced, “Jade… This is Goten of Korolon, he’s my best friend.”

“It’s a pleasure, highness.” Jade said with a bow.

“Hey… He gets a bow and I don’t??” Trunks said surprised at her sudden politeness.

 

Jade stood and raised an eyebrow at him.

 

“He’s a prince.” She said.

“So am I!” Trunks replied.

“You’re different!” Jade shot back.

“Why?! Because I saved you’re life??” the prince countered.

“I didn’t ask for your help!” The girl retorted.

 

Goten shook his head and chuckled while the two argued. Man… They got it bad… Who knew that Love would ever hit Trunks that bad?  He rolled his eyes and decided to stop the couple before they hurt themselves.

“Okay okay… That’s great you guys, but can we get back to the castle?” Goten asked.

“You guys go ahead. I’m gonna go…” Jade caught herself before she mentioned the word Inn. There was no way that she would stay in a place like the castle of Valon. She was tough and sometimes a bit cocky, bit she still respected those of a higher and much greater power than her. “Uh…shopping.” She smiled unconvincingly.

“No I don’t think so, Princess…” Trunks said grabbing Jade’s wrist before she could run off and check into an inn, “You’re going with us.”

“No… Really!! I just remembered something that I wanted to buy… I… saw it when we passed by one of the stalls!” Jade tried to convinced Trunks as she was trying to pull away from Trunks’s grip.

“Nope… Try again…” Goten suggested, “I don’t think he’s convinced yet.”

 

Although Trunks wasn’t convinced about Jade’s lies, he knew that she wasn’t going to move towards the castle on her own. He gave her arm a good yank and Jade was forced to step forward towards him. Trunks bent over and picked her up, carrying her over his shoulder like a traveler slung his bag of goods.

 

“Hey!” Jade yelled out as she was lifted off the ground.

“Okay… Let’s go.” Trunks said to a smiling Goten, ignoring Jade’s punches on his back and her demands of putting her down.

“Okay…” Goten laughed.

“Hello~! Is anyone listening?? Put! Me! DOWN!!” Jade continued to yell as she was being carried away to the castle.

 

**End Part Five**