Daughter of the Dragons

 

**Part Six**

 

Goten and Trunks entered the castle courtyard, with Jade still slung over his shoulder. Jade had finally given up all hope of making the stubborn prince put her down. Her elbows rested on his shoulder and her face, wearing a very discontented expression, rested on her open palms. She sighed and blew some loose strands of hair out of her face. Goten slowed his pace down a bit, letting Trunks walk just a bit ahead of him. He grinned and held back a small laugh at the site of his best friend bearing a girl on his shoulder.

 

Trunks always finds the strangest ways to do things… he thought to himself, still grinning, apparently falling in love isn’t an exception.

 

A small chuckle escaped his lungs and Jade looked at Goten thoughtfully. Trunks turned to face Goten. He did it without warning, causing Jade to suddenly bring her hands onto Trunks’s back for balance. At that, a burst of laughter came from Goten, but he quickly stifled it.

 

“What’s so funny??” asked Trunks with a puzzled look on his face.

“Nothing.” Goten answered with a smile.

 

Trunks replied with a confused stare at his friend and Goten grinned back. Jade rolled her eyes and reset her position on Trunks’s shoulder, setting her face back into her hands. At that moment, Jade noticed a woman with fiery red hair that flowed just past her shoulders came out of the castle doors with a basket in hand. She seemed to be a well-fed woman around the late 30’s and early 40’s, but she wasn’t completely over weight, and she had a kind smile. Coming down the steps of the castle, her smile faded and she stopped her self when she saw the young woman slung over a shoulder of a familiar lavender-haired man.  Jade sighed again and gave the woman a slight wave. Her smile returned as she made her way down the rest of the steps.

 

She stood just behind the prince and placed her hands on her hips, letting her basket dangle from her wrist. She spoke suddenly, revealing clues to her origin. “Whell yar majesty, I sartenly doon’t know what to say about this.”

 

Surprised, Trunks turned his head towards the direction of where the Irish accented voice came from. When he saw the woman standing behind him, he smiled.

 

“Hello, Mary.” Trunks greeted.

“Good Marnin’, Highness.” Replied, revealing her sweet smile once more.

“Can you please put me down now??” Jade sighed out, exasperated.

 

Trunks slightly blushed when Mary looked over his shoulder in Jade’s direction and then looked back at Trunks, her eyebrows in question. He gently placed Jade back on the ground and she gave him an intense glare that made him swallow hard.

 

“Eh heh…” Trunks started, “U-Um… Mary, this is Jade. Uh, Jade, this is Mary, our head cook.”

“I know who she is.” Mary replied.

“You do?” Trunks and Jade asked in unison.

“Aye. She’s the one who started all that trouble that marnin’.” She answered with a displeased look.

“Uh… Heh… The one and the same…” Jade said, slightly bowing her head.

 

The woman’s smile returned. “Whell dun, lass!”

Trunks, Jade, and Goten all stiffened with surprise at Mary’s sudden cheer.

Mary placed a friendly hand on Jade’s shoulder. “Put those men in thar place. ‘S wut I always saiy! Royal and common, aloik.” Mary winked at Jade and then both looked over to the boys, causing them both to take a step back in caution. The two girls smiled at each other. “Whell… If you’ll pardon me, I have ta get sum things far the feast. Things loik that dun’t boiy themselves ya know.”

 

She smiled once more at Jade and headed off to the town square.

 

“You know… I really like her.” Jade said as they watched Mary leave the courtyard.

Trunks and Goten exchanged worried looks and then smiled. Jade turned and faced the boys, sighed, walked up and took an arm from each of them. “Well… We’re already here… Might as well go on then.”

 

The two smiled at her and led her in. As soon as the walked through the door, Bra was walking across the hall and noticed then walk in. She smiled and walked up to greet them.

 

“Goten! You did it! You found Trunks! You should be reward for completing such a great task. And in such short time, too.” Bra said jokingly.

“Thank you for your kind words, my lady.” Goten replied with a bow and a smile.

The princess turned to Trunks. “Welcome home, brother.”

“Glad to be back.” Trunks said as he returned his sister’s hug.

“You know, mother isn’t very happy that you’ve been gone longer than usual.” Bra pointed out.

“Yes… I know.” Trunks looked up ahead in the direction of the throne room, thinking about how much he’s made his mother worry.

“Who is this?” Bra asked with a smile towards Jade.

Trunks turned to Jade. “Bra this is Jade. She’s -”

“Uh! A close friend of your brother’s.” Jade interrupted the prince before he could finish his sentence. She knew that he was going to tell her who she really was, but she felt that it wasn’t really the time for everyone to know. Trunks looked at her questioningly and she flashed a slight smile at him. He smiled back, agreeing with her decision. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, princess.” Jade continued with a bow.

“Likewise.” Bra smiled back. “Everyone’s in the throne room. Come on.”

 

Bra took Goten’s arm and proceeded to lead the small party to the throne room. As Bra and Goten walked ahead, talking and laughing with each other, the remaining two smiled to each other at the sight. Trunks cleared his throat and, acting as “royally” as he could, offered Jade and arm. With the same attitude she turned up her nose and accepted it. The two looked at each other, laughed, and follow the others.

 

~*~

 

“I’m just so worried about them, Chi Chi.” Bulma said forlornly, “What if they never find the one?”

“Bulma… Don’t worry about it. I’m sure that they will when the time has come.” Chi Chi did her best to try and comfort her friend.

“Yeah Bulma. It wasn’t really that different with Gohan.” Goku Joined in.

Vegiita sighed. “I told you that it’s out of our hands and we have to let it just take it’s course with both of them!”

“BUT WHAT IF IT JUST WON’T HAPPEN?!” Bulma yelled back at her husband, making him red with anger because she failed to just let it go.

 

Before he could say anything to her Goku spoke first. “Well… Looks like one problem is solved.” He said while looking pointedly at the throne room doors.

 

All of them looked toward the doors to see the smiling couple, Bra and Goten, walk through, arm in arm. Right behind them follow Jade and Trunks.

 

“And that makes two.” Added Chi Chi with a smile.

 

Bulma and Vegiita threw astonished glances at each other and then looked back at the children. When they looked back at each other a second time Bulma smiled and Vegiita slightly smirked back in return.

 

“Trunks!” Bulma shrieked suddenly, causing the four who just entered the room to look at her, surprised.

 

Bulma ran across the floor and threw herself on her son. Jade backed away suddenly so as not to be caught in between. Trunks was surprised and slowly put his arms around his mother, giving confused looks to his friends and sister. They all shrugged and shook their heads in their own confusion.

 

“Oh Trunks! I was so worried about you!!” Bulma continued. “You’ve never been gone that long before. I didn’t know what to think! I’m so glad that you’re home!!”

Trunks gently patted his mother’s back and began to feel bad for making her go through that. “I’m sorry mother. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to be gone so long.” Trunks apologized, neglecting to tell her why so that she wouldn’t worry even more.

 

Jade was beginning to feel a bit out of place among all the royalty. Bra noticed this and smiled. She walked next to Jade and called her mother’s attention.

 

“Mother, this is Jade.” Bra introduced.

 

Jade shot a look at Bra and she smiled back. Bulma let go of her eldest child and examined the new face standing next to her. Jade almost felt as if the queen’s eyes were peering right through her. She began to feel a bit nervous again.

 

“It’s wonderful to meet you… Jade.” Bulma finally greeted with a warm smile.

“Likewise, you majesty.” Jade replied with a respectful bow.

“Now tell me young one. What brings you to Valon?” Bulma inquired fully turning to face Jade.

“Trunks wa- Uh I mean, his majesty, prince Trunks, wishes that I participate in the Tournament.” Jade answered.

“He wants you to WHAT!?” Bra interjected, completely astounded by what she heard.

 

Overhearing the conversation, Vegiita, Goku and Chi Chi all exchanged surprised looks of their own.

 

“Is this true my son?” Bulma asked eyeing her son.

“Yes. I was hoping that Father would allow her to compete.” Trunks stated, “She really very skilled with a sword. I’ve found that out first hand.”

“Well my husband?” Bulma asked Vegiita while still staring at Trunks. The other three high powers had silently joined the group by the door as Trunks was explaining his reasons for what he thought.

“Well… If she was able to hold her own against my son… I guess she may participate.” Vegiita said eyeing Jade.

 

Jade felt as if Vegiita’s irate-seeming stare was tearing right through her and peering inside of her soul. But then she figured that royalty seemed to have that kind of affect on… commoners… such as herself. Or maybe it was just her.

 

“Thank you, Highness.” Jade said with another respectful bow.

“I must admit that it’s wonderful to know that you have such high regards for royalty, dearest,” Bulma giggled, “but you needn’t be so formal.”

“Jade, where are you staying? Are you spending your visit in the town inn?” Bra asked with hint curiosity in her voice.

“I will –“ Jade started but was cut off.

“I was hoping to let her stay in a guest room.” Trunks interrupted.

“That’s fine by me.” Bulma smiled, “Make sure that she gets comfortable in her room.” She turned to Jade once more. “And do make sure that you get lots of rest for tomorrow. It’s a big day for skill swordsmen… or women, as the case may be.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Jade smiled.

 

At that moment, both Goku and Goten’s stomachs growled in unison. Both blushed and held their grumbling bellies to quiet them down. Everyone laughed and Bra offered to lead everyone to the kitchen.

 

“Shall we go then?” Trunks asked Jade as he motioned her to go ahead of him.

 

Jade nodded and walked out of the doors with Trunks following her.

 

“So how bad do they have it?” Bra asked Goten as everyone watched the pair leave.

“It’s terrible…” he answered.

“That bad??” Bra inquired once more.

“Uh huh. And the worst part is… neither of them seem to know it.” Goten replied, shaking his head.

Bra joined in shaking her own, and then those two went off to the kitchen.

 

“And neither do they.” Chi Chi said out loud with a smile. Bulma laughed in agreement and the remaining party headed off to the kitchen as well.

 

~*~

 

“Nervous were you?” Trunks asked, smirking.

“Your fault! You brought me here.” Jade scolded, “I’m not used to being around royalty. Royals DO make me nervous, okay?!”

“Well, why? You never seem nervous around me…” Trunks inquired in wonder.

“I don’t know… When we first met, I didn’t know you were a prince. So forgive me for not bowing then. Afterwards… I… I just don’t know.” Jade answered, wondering the same.

“Well, with all the formalities I was about ready to call you Celeste.” Trunks snickered.

“Shut up!” Jade grumbled, “It’s not funny and it’s still your fault.”

“I know. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to them.” Trunks admitted, “Well, this is it. This is where you’ll be sleeping for the next couple nights.”

 

Trunks opened the door to a vacant guest room. Through the door, Jade’s eyes met a canopy bed, draped with cream-colored curtains and silk sheets to match. A dressing table with a large mirror was set next to it. Striking hand woven carpets were spread across the room floors each with it’s own vibrant and unique design.  Further into the room she noticed beautiful hand painted landscapes hung on the walls high overhead. Jade wandered out to the open balcony and observed the scenery. This side of the castle was the perfect view of the mountains, forest, and ocean. Not to mention the beginning of a magnificent sunset off the horizon.  Jade leaned over the balustrade as far as she could to see more of the ocean. Trunks made his way next to her, rested a hand on the hilt of his sword and smiled.

 

“Like it?” he asked in a soft tone.

“Oh it’s wonderful!” Jade exclaimed, setting herself down and returning her eyes to Trunks, “I’ve never seen such a view like this ever before! It’s gorgeous.”

 

A gentle breeze blew more strands of her hair loose and into her face. Trunks smiled softly and placed them behind her ear. “Glad you think so.”

 

Jade smiled back.

 

“Hungry? I can show you to the kitchen if you want something to eat.” Trunks offered.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.” Jade answered, “I think that I’m just going to go to sleep.”

“Alright. I think that I’m going to do the same.” The prince said as he walked her back inside, “If you need anything, I’m just down the hall to the left.”

“Thank you… Your highness.” Jade spoke softly.

 

Hearing that as he made his way to the door, he turned back and smiled at her. “See you tomorrow, Jade.”

 

Jade nodded in reply and Trunks left, closing the door behind him.

 

A while later, Jade was out on the balcony again staring out to what she called home. Bra had quietly made her way into her room.

 

“Jade?” Bra called out wondering where she was.

“Princess??” Jade said, turning her attention toward her room.

“There you are.” Bra smiled, “I brought you one of mother’s old sleeping gowns for you to use.”

“But… I can’t take it… It’s the queens.” Jade argued.

“Nonsense. Mother insisted. You don’t expect us to let you sleep in that do you?” Bra said while pointedly eyeing what Jade was wearing.

“Well I uh…” Jade trailed off failing to find an excuse.

“Here.” Bra handed Jade the gown, “Put that on and I’ll get your clothes washed so you can wear them again tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Jade finally agreed.

 

After Jade had changed Bra took her clothes and started off to get them washed. “I’ll be back with them tomorrow morning, when I get you for breakfast.”

“Thank you princess.” Jade spoke, only to be scolded.

“No. Don’t call me that. If Trunks can be called by his name then you shall address me by mine.” The princess corrected.

“But… He insists that I do so and won’t let me call him otherwise.” Jade explained.

“As do I.” Bra finished.

 

Jade nodded with a smile.

 

“Good night, Jade.”

“Good night, Bra.”

 

~*~

 

The next morning, as Bra promised, she brought Jade her clothes, washed and clean. Jade was still asleep when Bra had entered her room. She closed the door behind her and set the clothes on the dressing table. Jade rolled onto her back and sighed. When her eyes opened she was greeted with a kind smile from the princess.

 

Bra plopped onto the edge of the bed. “So how did you sleep?”

“Great. Thanks.” Jade answer in a sleepy tone, “I’ve never slept in a bed so comfortable since I was only an infant. Or any bed at that.”

“My… That’s along time… Then… what do you sleep on. The dirt ground?” Bra questioned.

“Not exactly. Pine needles, leaves, straw… and whatever else… But sometimes I do.” Jade answered as she sat up in bed and brought her legs up to her chest.

“Why do you sleep in such places?” Bra continued to ask as she moved farther onto the bed.

“Well… I don’t have a normal home. I don’t have a hearth nor a table to dine from, let alone a bed like this to sleep in.” Jade again answered while smiling at the princess’s interest.

“Oh but that’s terrible.” Bra commented.

“No… not really.” Jade replied.

“How can you say that? It is…” Bra stated once more.

“I don’t have parents any longer but they still live within my heart. And even though the family I was born into doesn’t stand at my side every passing day, I still have a family.” Jade explained.

“How?”

“I live with friends. They are very dear to me, just as my parents are. They… they are my family.” Jade looked away wondering how her family was doing without her.

“Well… surely the friends that you live with… your family, surely they have a home with such things.” Bra said with question hovering in her voice.

“No… Not my family. But those don’t really matter. Just knowing that the ones you love are safe and near, that’s enough to suffice.” Jade concluded while getting out of bed and dressing.

 

Bra watched Jade as she began to pull back her hair into her usual ponytail. ”Jade…”

“Yes, what is it Bra?” Jade asked.

“Um… I was hoping that you’d… Can I fix you hair?” Bra cocked her head with hopeful eyes.

Jade laughed. “Of course you can.”

“Great!” Bra exclaimed, “I’ve always wanted a sister so I could do things like this with her.”

“I’m sure that if you did you and her would have been wonderful together.” Jade smiled as she sat on the bed again.

“Yeah. Trunks isn’t as willing to have his hair done in a braid.” Bra said as she began to brush Jade’s flowing tresses.

 

The two fell silent at the thought of Trunks’s hair in a braid. They gave each other a blank look and then burst with laughter. 

 

“Oh Jade, you have such beautiful hair.” Bra complimented as she began to braid it.

“Thank you.” Jade said still smiling at the thought of Trunks with his hair done in such a way.

Again the room walls were no longer echoing the sound of voices, with only the chirping of birds and waves against the rocks below to break the silence.

“There. All finished.” Bra stated, smiling and showing Jade her long braid.

“You did a wonderful job!” she commented toward Bra.

 

Bra put her arms around Jade’s neck from behind and hugged her. “If I was ever granted a sister… I’d want her to be just like you.”

Jade smiled. “If I was ever granted a sister, I’d want her to be just like you too.” She gently squeezed Bra’s arm.

“Come on! Let’s go to the kitchen and get a quick breakfast. I want to show you around the castle.” Bra exclaimed enthusiastically, dragging Jade out of the bed and down the hall.

“Okay.” Jade laughed, trying to keep up with the princess.

 

Bra and Jade spent most of the morning together, creating a sisterly bond with each other. The princess truly wished for a sister to confide in, sharing secrets, gossiping, and just spending time with. Trunks was a wonderful brother, anything that anyone could ask for. He was sweet, caring and considerate, fun to be with, and how could anyone be a brother without picking on his little sister once and a while? Unfortunately, he failed miserably as a sisterly figure. Jade, herself, accepted the company with open arms. Not having that many human friends or family, she missed having such a companionship. Bra took Jade all around the castle grounds. To the kitchen, the library, the weaponry, where the knights trained and practiced. That room, in particular, was to Jade’s liking, but her favorite part of the castle was the gardens.

 

Jade had never seen such an array of brightly colored flowers and plants together like that. It was beautiful. She bathed in the sweet scents of rose, lavender, periwinkle, and so many other aromas. The vibrant reds, blues, pinks, oranges, violets, and millions of other colors seemed make her eyes dance. This, without question, was her favorite place.

 

“This is my favorite part of the castle too.” Bra stated, “Although, I spend most of my time on the throne room balcony staring at the ocean.”

“Waiting for the ocean to grant you a heart?” Jade asked, as she sat next to bra on a stone bench in the center of the garden.

“Huh?” Bra gave her a surprised look.

Jade smiled. “Maybe it’s not the ocean, that hides it. But it’s the ocean, that tries to help you find it.” she whispered, “It’s possible that you aren’t looking for the ocean, but something similar.”

Bra smiled in return for the help. “Thank you, Jade.” Bra hugged her, “I wasn’t sure what to think about it. I thought that I was all wrong and that I still had to wait, what seemed like, another eternity. But… This… this feels right for me, Jade.”

“Go with what your heart tells you is the right path,” Jade hugged back. “Not the path your mind thinks is right. My mother always used to tell me that.”

“Your mother was very wise.” Bra said in sorrow for never knowing her.

“Yes… Yes she was.” Jade replied in a tone of voice not much different from the princess’s.

“Let’s be off… The tournament will start soon. Everything is all ready and done. We better leave now so you won’t miss your chance to compete.” Bra told Jade as they walked out of the garden and towards the front of the castle.

 

**End Part Six**