Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Fractured Fairytales ❯ Cinder-Fella ( Chapter 1 )

**Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or the story "Cinderella"... please don't sue me! I'm broke enough as it is!!

SM: Welcome back loyal fans! It is I, you're own dear SaintMe!

TheBoy: You have loyal fans? Since when?

SM: Oh bite me... anyway, this is the first of many (hopefully) Fairytales I plan on slaughtering ^_^ So lemme know what ya think!!

~~~~~~~~

Vegeta sat quietly under the heavy comforter of the bed he shared with his mate, Bulma, a thick, 300 page novel in his hands. A single reading lamp shone down on the pages as he read the words quickly, completely enthralled in his book. Vegeta wasn't certain when or why he had developed an interest in human literature, though it no longer mattered to him. Truth be told, he enjoyed the books, his collection in the library making that painfully obvious. A soft snore reached his ears, and he glanced at his mate who was lying next to him, body slightly curled, her back to him. This had been a ritual for quite some time now; Bulma would come home from work, too tired to function properly, and would fall asleep very quickly. Vegeta, in turn, would pull out a good book and read until his eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. It was a comfortable rut they had fallen into, and he had no desire to change it.

"Moooooooooom." Came a soft, almost inaudible call from down the hall. Vegeta's lip curled into a sneer, recognizing the sound of his son's voice. He turned his attention back to the paragraph he had been reading.

"Moooooooooom!" came Trunks' voice again, this time more urgent. Vegeta snarled, placed a book mark between the pages, and slid out of bed, intent on a rather loud scolding once he reached his son's room. Vegeta flung open Trunks' bedroom door, causing the little boy to start in shock.

"What the hell is it, brat?"

"I... I had a nightmare. Is mom awake?"

"No. Go back to sleep."

Trunks' bottom lip quivered and he thumbed at his bedspread. Vegeta sighed and sat down at the edge of the bed.

"What was your nightmare about." he asked in a less than interested voice.

"I was being chased by a really big, green alien who wanted to eat my brains."

Vegeta blinked. What the hell?

"He kept saying 'brains. sweet, spicy brains.'"

For a moment, Vegeta considered waking Bulma up so SHE could deal with her son's obvious psychosis.

"If I read you a story, will you go back to sleep?"

"But, Mom's already read me all the story books."

"FINE. I'll make one up."

Trunks gave his father a skeptical look, but soon snuggled back under his covers, eager to hear what Vegeta had to say.

"This is the story of Cinder-Fella-"

"Don't you mean Cinderella, Dad?"

"No. Shut up."

~~~~~~~~

Long ago, in a kingdom far, far away there lived a happily married couple. They were rich, and very powerful. No one dared to oppose them, they were so high in the social circle. There was only one thing they desired more than they already had. They wanted a son to call their own. The day the man found his woman was pregnant, he boasted to his fellows of his obvious accomplishment.

"This son will be strong! Stronger than the King himself!"

The day came when his woman went into labor, and the man paced nervously outside her bed chamber. The wet nurses ran back and forth, in and out of the room, like crazy old hens. Finally, the distinct cry of a new born echoed through the halls, and the man rushed in to meet his prodigy, only to find his worthless wife had birthed a girl! A girl! A useless, weak, pathetic girl!

In his anger, the man threw his woman from his home, along with their new born daughter, to whatever fate she found herself sentenced to. The heart broken woman wandered the woods surrounding her once home, clutching her tiny baby to her breast, so unsure where she should go, what she should do. She had wanted a baby boy so much. She glared down at the little whelp in her arms as it cooed softly, her shiny black eyes smiling back up at her mother.

"I will rid the world of you, worthless daughter. Then my husband will have to take me back."

With decision made, the woman made her way through the forest to the wide, deep running river not far from her home. She trudged into the icy waters till they reached her waist, and was about to lower the squirming baby beneath the surface, when she heard someone coming. Panicked, the woman ran to the shore, dropping the baby into the reeds, and took off like a shot into the forest once more. A small party of people came through the trees. There were four men on horses, surrounding a carriage.

"Halt! I hear something!" came a thin, female voice from inside the boxed coach. The footman hopped from his place and opened the door, allowing his Mistress to step out. The woman was tall, and thin. Everything about her seemed to define the word "gray", from her hair, to her eyes, to her skin. The woman walked over to the river side, and bent down to stare at the small baby, huddled between the grass.

"What is it you see, Mother?" came a smaller, female voice from the coach. The woman looked up at one of her two daughters, with scorn in her eyes.

"A peasant child. Driver! Collect the infant! We take her with us."

"But Mother, why would we waste our time on a peasant?" the second daughter asked.

"Because, my dear, sweet daughter, you two will need a personal maid of your own. Once the child has grown some, she will prove to be quite useful."

"What shall we name her?" the first little girl asked.

"I care not for the naming of inconsequential, filthy peasant children." the second answered, her arms crossing in a huff.

"Let us call her Kakarot!" the first alleged.

"Kakarot? But that is a boy's name!"

"Does it matter? She means nothing to us, as you have said. So why should it matter whether her name is meant for a boy or not?"

~~~~~~~~

"Dad?"

"WHAT?"

"This story doesn't make any sense."

"Shut up brat, and let me finish!"

"Sorry Dad...."

~~~~~~~~

The years passed, and the child Kakarot grew into a fine, beautiful young woman, though no one would have known for the dirt, sweat, and grime that collected on her skin on a daily basis. Not to mention the fact that the two sisters that she served had cut her hair short and spiky as a boy would wear his. She was forced to wear men's trousers, boots, and shirts.

"You are so hideous Kakarot! It amazes me that even we can handle the site of you any longer!" the sister, Chichi, had often told her. Kakarot had tried her best to ignore the painful remarks of her Ladies, but it often times became too much. She spent many long nights, lying on her cot next to the kitchen fire place, crying and wishing she could be as beautiful as them; to be looked at with the same adoring eyes as the two women.

One day, while she was serving breakfast, she listened silently to the talk of her Ladies and their mother.

"Did you hear mother? The King has decreed there be a ball! He wants the Prince to choose a wife!" Chichi exclaimed happily.

"Psh. You should know as well as anyone Chichi, that the Prince does not favor females." her sister, Videl chastised.

"Pure rumor my dears. Even if the Prince prefers the company of men, he must marry a woman to birth an heir to the throne." The Lady of the house, Violet, informed them both.

"The Prince does not like women?" Kakarot said, her eyes wide. The three women turned to her, with angry looks.

"Did anyone speak to you Kakarot? I think not!" Chichi practically screamed, throwing a hardened biscuit at the woman. Kakarot cringed and allowed the food to hit her between the eyes. Such was her life.

"ANYWAY, it was said that all maidens were to attend the ball so the Prince may choose whom he wishes to wed...." Chichi rambled on and on. Kakarot cleared the empty breakfast dishes and brought them to the kitchen, absent mindedly washing them.

"You look so sad child." The Cook said, his hand resting on her shoulder in a friendly manner. Kakarot didn't say a word.

"That evil wench threw food at you again, didn't she?"

"Yes, she did. And do not speak of the Lady Chichi in such a manner. I am her loyal servant, and I do not wish to be overheard speaking down on her."

"You are not the one speaking low of her, Kakarot. Are you going to the ball?"

The phrase caused Kakarot's head to rise in surprise. Her? Go to a royal ball?

"Do not look so surprised child. The King has decreed every eligible female is to attend."

Kakarot lowered her head a second time, sighing deeply.

"Cooky, look at me. I look more of a man than a lady. The Prince would never choose me."

"From what I over heard, the Prince would choose you for just that reason."

"Cooky!"

"Just a thought, my child. Just a thought." he said, with a knowing smile.

It was a week later, one more week until the royal ball would take place, and Kakarot found herself doing more chores than she ever thought possible. Her Ladies had demanded new cloth for their gowns, fresh flowers for their hair... brand new everything. After all, they needed to make a wonderful impression if one of them were to catch the Prince's eye. Kakarot completely understood what they meant. Of course they should have the finest things; they deserved a place in the palace.

So now she found herself walking down the dusty dirt road, heading home from a long day at market. She was enjoying the warm sun shining down on her dirty face, when she heard the strangest sounds coming from the trees. Stepping off the road, she peeked her head around one large tree trunk. Her eyes went wide at what she witnessed. There were four men standing in the forest. One man was being held with his arms behind his back by two of the men, the fourth was pummeling the living hell out of him. Without a second thought, Kakarot jumped right into the middle, effectively knocking the punching man to the forest floor. The two who were holding the other man let go to attack her, which she quickly defended herself from. She swung her basket full of fruit and vegetables into one man's head, knocking him down as well. The third gripped around her waist from behind, only to be knocked out cold. Kakarot turned sharply, to stare into the darkest, most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. She gave little notice when the three attackers ran into the trees as fast as their legs would carry them. Those glowing eyes stayed locked with hers as the man stepped forward, his jaw slack in awe.

"You have saved me."

Kakarot blinked. What had she just done? Chichi and Videl had always chastised her about being so gruff and man like. This was not how a lady should have acted.

"I... I must be going now." she said, falling to her knees, scrambling to find the misplaced produce that lay about their feet. She froze when she saw the man's black leather booted feet standing inches from her. She looked up at him, her breath catching; he was devastatingly handsome.

"You will not even tarry long enough to accept thanks from your Prince?"

The Prince? Goodness, but she was in deep trouble now. She had disgraced herself in front of her superior. Not only that, but she had cast her eyes upon him. She quickly looked down.

"I- I am sorry my lord. My insolence must be punished."

"Punished? Insolence? You have driven my attackers from me. For that you should be rewarded, my good man."

Man? Oh yes. Man. She was very masculine.

The sound of clinking coins met her ears, and she raised her eyes enough to see a bag of gold being emptied from its pouch.

"Th- Thank you my Lord."

"I must leave you now. Please, tell me your name before I go?"

Kakarot took a VERY deep breath.

"M- My name is Kakarot."

"Kakarot."

She shivered at the way her name sounded, rolling off of her Prince's tongue. For the first time in her life, it sounded beautiful. The next thing she knew, the sound of horse hoofs on the forest floor met her ears, and the Prince was gone. Kakarot looked up to see a small dust trail on the road. She finally allowed herself to breath. He was so incredibly handsome, with those deep onyx eyes, wild black hair, wide muscles shoulders.

She knew immediately that she had lost her heart to him.

Prince Vegeta hopped from his mount, practically skipping inside the castle gates, smiling and waving hellos to his men and other residents of the palace.

"You are certainly in a fair mood my Lord." said one of his many attendants.

"I should be. I have fallen in love this day."

"Oh? And who would the lucky lady be?"

"Come now. You should know me better than that!"

His attendant cast his eyes down in disdain.

"Then it is a man you have given your heart to?"

"Why sound so surprised? He is a lovely creature. Thick, unruly black hair. Dark eyes, tanned skin. And so strong! He defended away three bandits on the road for me! And humble as well. He would not even look upon me."

"Only those of noble blood are allowed to, my Prince."

"All the same. I would swim the seas to Avalon to have him look upon me with those eyes." Vegeta spoke in a wispy, airy voice.

The attendant shook his head, slightly amused. He knew that once his Prince had made up his mind about something, there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Not even divine wrath from the Heavens above could sway him.

"You did WHAT?" Cook asked in a feverish, yet excited tone as Kakarot explained her experience in the forest.

"I saved him, or so he said."

"What did he look like? Was he as handsome as they say?"

"The stories could never do him justice. He was so beautiful Cooky, I honestly don't know how I managed to not faint in his presence!" As if to punctuate her remark, Kakarot pressed her palm over her heart; it fluttered wildly beneath her hand, but her eyes soon grew sad.

"What is wrong my dear? You have just come from impressing the crowned Prince Vegeta!"

"He... he thought I was a man."

"I would have thought you a man as well. You are such a strong person, female or no. You could rival those in the royal guard, given the chance!"

His compliments did nothing to cheer Kakarot up. Sighing, he held her in a tight hug.

"Do not worry child. Things will work out."

"The Prince does not want a woman. He wants... he wants a man. A man I am not. A Lady I am not. Oh Cooky, what am I to do?"

It was the night of the ball, and Kakarot spent all of her time helping her Ladies get into their form fitting gowns. She pulled corset strings so tightly, she feared breaking their ribs. They looked so lovely. Chichi wore a dress of shimmering red satin, Videl in a pale cornflower blue gown. They each had matching flowers tucked behind their ears, they're hair done up in wild bouncy curls.

They were so beautiful.

"You two are the loveliest women I have ever seen." Kakarot said adoringly. The women sneered at her.

"Of course we are. After all, the only other woman you have seen is yourself. And we don't need to go into how ugly YOU are, Kakarot." Videl scolded as she swept her hands down her long flowing skirt.

"She is right, Kakarot. But do not worry, when one of us marries the Prince, we will surely find you a good place to be. Perhaps working in a kitchen at the local Inn. After all, we could not have your dirty hands contaminating the palace beauty, now could we?" Chichi added, also smoothing her dress. Kakarot's eyes betrayed the hurt those words inflicted, but she tried her best to remain steady.

"The carriage will be here for you shortly. Is there anything else you require of me, my Ladies?"

"No, I think not. Go on, go... chase a chicken. Or whatever it is you do with your time." Chichi said, waving her hand. Kakarot bowed and left her Lady's chambers, a strangled cry clenching in her throat. Just the thought of one of those two marrying her Prince made her want to curl up and die. She did wish the best for her Ladies, but deep down within herself, her heart rebelled. She ran from the halls, through the house, out into the garden. The sun had already set, casting the shrubbery into shadow. Good. The darkness would hide her tears.

She found herself a safe spot behind a tall bush, falling instantly to her knees, her body shaking with the power of her sobbing.

"I- I wish... I wish I could..."

"Yes?"

Kakarot turned sharply, horrified that someone had seen her crying. In all her long years, she had managed to hide the fact that she was able to cry at all, for if one of her Ladies had seen her, a painful whipping would follow suit.

"Who- Who are you?" Kakarot asked in a breathless voice. Standing before her was a lovely woman, so beautiful she could have easily rivaled her own Mistresses. The woman was tall and slender, a long mane of aqua hair cascading down her back. Her eyes glowed an almost silver blue color, matching perfectly with her overly puffy gown. Atop her head sat a stunning crown of silver and diamond, accented with deep blue sapphires and glittering emeralds. Clutched casually in her left hand was a long white stick, with a sparkly silver star on the end.

"My name's Bulma, and I'm your Fairy Godmother!"

Kakarot blinked, then laughed.

"This is a dream. Of course, you are nothing but a bit of undigested cheese or bread."

The beautiful woman frowned, her once shocking splendor quickly turning hard and stony.

"I don't appreciate being connected with your nasty eating habits. Look, I have a lot of shit to do tonight, would you hurry up and make your wishes already?"

Kakarot ceased her laughter, giving the woman a hard look of her own.

"You amuse me no longer. Please leave this place before I remove you myself."

"Somehow, I don't doubt you could. You're one hell of a strong bitch, ain'tcha?"

Kakarot gasped as the language this Lady seemed to spout with ease. Women did not use words like this, even with a lowly servant such as herself! Bulma rolled her eyes when Kakarot did not answer.

"Alright, listen here honey, I have a pedicure appointment in an hour, and I don't have time to sit here and watch you stare at me all night like you haven't got half a brain! Are you going to make your wishes or not?"

"I... I do not know what to wish for, that is if you are truly who and what you say you are."

"Bullshit. You were just about to proclaim a wish a few minutes ago. What was it?"

Kakarot blushed and looked down at her dirty, grubby hands. A frown graced her masculine face once more; such ugly, manly hands.

"I wish I could be everything Prince Vegeta ever wanted in a mate."

"Done!"

With a quick bob on Kakarot's head with her wand, a shimmering white light surrounded the tall woman. It swirled around her in peaceful waves, soon engulfing her entirely. She could see nothing outside of the little white shell she was now in, but her other senses were aflame. A strange feeling of growth filled her being, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Suddenly, a searing pain shot from the tips of her toes to the top of her head, crawling angrily across her skin. Kakarot sank to her knees, holding her head and screaming out her agony. Bulma stood by with arms crossed, a casual, amused look on her face. Soon, the overwhelming pain subsided, and Kakarot stood on shaky legs.

"What have you done to me?"

"Granted your wish, silly. I must say, this has been one of my better works."

Curious, Kakarot stood and went to the small fountain pond a few feet away. She stared down into the crystalline depths, and anger filled her. She looked exactly how she had before!

"Evil Witch! You make fun of me!"

"If I were gonna make fun of you, TRUST me, it wouldn't be about magic. And I'm not a witch. Though, I do hafta agree that you don't really look that different. You were already mannish, no offense."

"None taken. Then what about me has changed?"

Bulma had to hold back the giggle that rose in her chest. Covering her mouth with her free hand, she pointed down to a brand new bulge fixed between Kakarot's hips. Kakarot looked down, and nearly jumped back in fright at what she saw through the confines of her manly clothes.

"You... you have made me a man!"

"Sure did. Anything else you want?"

"But... why have you turned me into a man?"

Bulma rolled her eyes again.

"That's what you wished for, stupid! You wanted to be everything that Prince Vegeta wanted in a mate. And well... lets just say that he bats for the other team."

"What?"

"Never mind. Anything else?"

Kakarot sat down hard on the ground, thinking this whole situation through as best she could. She... she was now a he! A man, in every physical sense of the word! She wondered for a moment if she perhaps now looked like her father, the man she knew nothing about.

"I'm waiting!"

Kakarot blinked out of her trance, and stood once more, feeling brave.

"I wish for suitable clothing to attend the Royal Ball."

"You got it!"

~~~~~~~~

"Will you PLEASE sit up straight, son?" The King asked in a hushed, forceful tone. His son was sitting lopsided on his throne chair, one leg tossed carelessly over one arm, his head propped up on a balled fist, staring off into space, looking incredibly bored. Lady after Lady had paraded before him, bowing and showing their respect as they were announced to him before the Ball could be brought into its full swing. He had had to fight off a yawn since the entire thing began.

"Please show some interest, son. After all, one of these Ladies will be the Queen one day!"

"How can I show interest in something that bores me to death, when my mind is on the one thing that would not?"

"Yes, your footman told me of this 'Kakarot' person. I do not deny you your indulgence in such things, but you cannot claim him as your own. A man cannot birth a child for an heir, and my son will not lower himself to be the mate of a peasant!"

"Do not speak of him in such a way, Father! I will not have it!"

"Keep your voice down!"

The bickering continued for quite some time, both Royals completely forgetting about the Ladies who stood before them. Only when Vegeta spotted a strange, haphazardly spiked head among the crowd further back, was his voice silenced. He sat straighter, trying to see over the sea of people before him, his heart fluttering wildly within his chest at the mere possibility of who it could be.

~~~~~~~~

Kakarot was so nervous he was shaking. There were so many people there, none of them recognizable to him, which eased his mind a little. At least no one would recognize him. Not that he honestly recognized himself any longer, what with the attire Bulma had granted him. Starting from the bottom, he wore a pair of glossy black, leather knee high boots, the leather soft and supple, giving his toes the freedom of movement. Black stockings clung to his naturally muscled legs like a second skin, the curves and dips so very visible. He wore a loose fitting, midnight blue tunic, puffed slightly at the arms and waist, where a sturdy leather belt held it all together. He was silently thankful that the tunic hung low enough on his body to cover his brand new appendage. Around his shoulders was a loose cloak, the hood laying in gentle folds down his back. Around his neck was a silver chain with a small circular pendent on the end; an intricate carving imbedded in the ore, though Kakarot had no idea what it meant. Bulma had assured Kakarot that he looked magnificent, but he still couldn't shake off the nervous feeling inside.

"And who may I announce you as?" came a shy, soft voice to the right. Kakarot turned to answer the short, portly man.

"My name is Kakarot-"

"Of the house of Son! I will inform the King at once!"

"Wait! I-"

But the man was already gone. Kakarot did not understand how the man had established he was of noble birth. A sudden wave of panic struck, and he wanted nothing more than to escape this huge place. He felt suffocated and trapped; he was in a prison.

Kakarot looked at his surroundings, almost crying his relief when he saw a side door that obviously led out to a garden, and hopefully, a way to escape. He took flight, not caring about the people he pushed aside in his fear. Soon, a harsh breath of chilled air hit his face, and he found himself standing on a brick walk way, hidden between trees and flowers. He was safe.

"Kakarot?"

Damnit.

"Kakarot, is that you?"

He stood tall and rigid, his cloak flapping gently in the iced breeze. It was Vegeta. He was standing right behind him. Slowly, he turned on his heel to stare down into those gloriously black eyes.

"It IS you!" Vegeta spoke in a breathless voice, his eyes widening in wonder and excitement. He seemed so childlike in his exuberance, and Kakarot could not help the smile that spread across his face.

"You look different." Vegeta said, his brow furrowing in confusion. This was Kakarot, the same eyes, same hair, but still there was something about him now that was so strikingly different from before.

"I have not changed, my Prince."

That voice, so soft and sweet sounding. Vegeta smiled now, forgetting his earlier worries.

"Of course you haven't. Please, walk with me."

Vegeta walked forward, Kakarot at his heels, through the trees, off the main brick pathway, until they were well hidden between the shrubs and other foliage.

"My Prince, I-"

Kakarot was quickly cut off as Vegeta stood on tippy toes, grasping either side of his head, and pressing a searing kiss against his lips. To stunned for an immediate response, Kakarot stared wide eyed at his Prince, frozen in place. Vegeta stepped back, a look of confusion and disappointment on his face.

"I apologize fair one, I could not control myself any longer. I have wanted to taste you since-"

This time, Kakarot took the initiative, pressing his lips firmly against the Prince's, eager for a repeat of the feeling he had invoked in him just moments before. Vegeta attempted a muffled finish of his sentence, but soon gave up and wrapped his arms tightly around this wonderful man's waist, giving in to his silent demands.

Kakarot took a small step back now, breathing heavily, resting his forehead against that of Vegeta's. He too, was panting, eyes shut tight as he tried to calm his body.

"My Prince-"

"Be still, my love. We have time for words later."

Kakarot's heart ached at those words. His love? Vegeta loved her...er, him? He could scarcely believe this was happening! All his dreams were coming true in a matter of moments! Kakarot was about to ask what they were going to do now, instead of talking, but was silenced once more when Vegeta pressed his body against his intended, locking his lips to his for the third time that evening. Kakarot closed his eyes, parting his lips slightly, no longer shocked when Vegeta's tongue slid against his own, ravaging every corner of his mouth. Kakarot let a soft whimper escape his throat, a strange feeling rising within his body. Vegeta pulled back and chuckled gently.

"Eager are we? Have patience, my love, it will come in due time."

Kakarot whined again, burying his face in Vegeta's shoulder as the Prince stroked his back soothingly, not at all concerned about the way this man was reacting.

~~~~~~~~

"Chichi! You'll never guess what I heard!" Videl nearly screamed to her older sister, pulling on her arm in a desperate attempt to gain her attention. Chichi growled low at her, and excused herself from the company of three guards she had been keeping, turning to glare at her sister.

"What is so urgent that you must destroy any chances of fun I had?"

"Kakarot's here."

"You jest, sister, and it is not a very good jest at that."

"I am not lying! I overhead the crier telling the King that Kakarot of the house of Son had arrived!"

"That means nothing. There are many Kakarot's in the Kingdom! Now leave me!"

"But Chichi! I SAW her!"

Chichi stopped short at her sister's words, turning back to her with an icy glare.

"Show me."

~~~~~~~~

Kakarot groaned loudly, tossing his head back against the tree that he had been pinned against, as Vegeta unlaced the strings of his tunic with slow deliberation. The Prince had his knee pressed between Kakarot's powerful thighs, one hand on his hip, the other fussing with the tie in front of him. Vegeta growled his impatience.

"You are never to wear such a stubborn shirt again."

Kakarot laughed, his eyes open to mere slits, smiling at his love. Vegeta finally untied the knot, and pushed away the sides of the tunic to reveal a teasing peek of a strong, smooth chest.

"Aah. You are so beautiful, Kakarot." he purred, leaning forward to place soft, open mouthed kisses to that exposed skin. Kakarot closed his eyes once more, his head again thumping against the trunk of the tree as he laced his fingers in Vegeta's thick hair, an overwhelming heat pooling in the pit of his stomach. What Vegeta was doing was so beautiful, so right. The pure pleasure of this simple act consumed him in a swell of hardly controlled passion, and he growled low, forcing Vegeta's head nearer to his skin. Vegeta chuckled evilly, his hand sliding from Kakarot's hip to cup the obvious need between his legs.

"Ack! My Prince! What are you-"

Vegeta silenced him with another kiss, one more gentle then before, a way to soothe him. Kakarot fought little, relaxing under the soft kisses and gentle touches of his Prince. He knew what sex was in a general sense, and to be honest he was frightened to do this sacred act; but he knew deep down, somewhere, that Vegeta would never hurt him. He was being gentle, and that's all Kakarot could have ever asked for.

"You are sure you saw her come through here?" came an all too familiar voice through the trees. Kakarot's eyes went wide, and he pulled back from Vegeta's embrace.

"Shh. They will not see us." Vegeta cooed, leaning forward for another kiss.

"I am certain, sister! She must have gone off the path." came a second, frightening voice of reality. Kakarot froze in terror. What would her Ladies do to him if they saw him with the crowned Prince? Panic once again struck him, and he slid away from Vegeta's arms.

"Where are you-"

"I am sorry my Prince. I must go!"

"Kakarot! Wait!"

But Kakarot had already fled through the trees, leaving Vegeta alone under the light of the stars, staring after him with an uninhibited pain in his eyes.

"Prince Vegeta?" came a slimy, female voice from behind him. Vegeta clenched his teeth and stood himself tall to face the women who had destroyed his intimate moment. He turned to see two small, dark haired women, dressed up as though they were the prize of the patch. He sneered inwardly.

"What are you lovely Ladies doing outside? It is cold. Please, come inside." Vegeta said curtly, with a small wave of his arm towards the direction of the palace. The women giggled and started back towards the palace, and Vegeta spared one last look towards the direction Kakarot had run off to. A soft shining caught his eyes, and he stooped low to peer into the grass. Laying there was the silver pendent Kakarot had been wearing. Vegeta picked it up, holding it gently between his fingertips, studying the symbols. With a heavy sigh, he followed the women inside.

~~~~~~~~

Kakarot held a hand to his chest, leaning against the heavy kitchen door in his Ladies' home, his heart pounding so hard it threatened to leap from his chest.

"Back so soon?" Came the familiar, sing song voice of Bulma. Kakarot ran into her open arms, weeping so strongly that even Bulma's body twitched with the sobs.

"He- He kissed me-"

"That's why you're crying? Are you completely nuts? I thought that's what you wanted?"

Kakarot sniffled and wiped his nose on his shirt sleeve.

"I do want that, but Chichi and Videl-"

Bulma waved her hand in dismissal.

"Forget about those two. Evil little bitches in my opinion. So what else happened? I want details!"

For the rest of the evening, Kakarot told Bulma all that had transpired, while sipping something hot and soothing that she had magically created; it was something called "a hot toddy."

"Ok, so he kissed you, he groped you. Where exactly is the problem?"

"If my Ladies where to know about this, they would surely disapprove."

"What do you care what they think?"

"I am their servant. I must not act in such a manner."

"Even when it comes to love?"

Kakarot sighed deeply.

"Perhaps this was a mistake. I could never lay claim to the Prince. I am a lowly servant. A maid. I am not worthy of one such as him."

Bulma rolled her eyes and snatched the mug of alcohol and coffee away from Kakarot.

"You need to get some sleep. I have a feeling things will look up in the morning."

~~~~~~~~

Kakarot awoke to the sounds of trumpets being blared in town. He groaned and rolled over onto his stomach, burying his face into the straw mattress, ignoring the painful stinging in his cheeks and neck.

"WAKE UP YOU WORTHLESS SLUG!" came the screeching voice of Chichi from somewhere else in the house. Kakarot sighed and rolled himself out of bed, quickly pulling on his regular, male clothing. To his surprise, the originally loose fitting clothes seemed to be filled in everywhere now. Without wanting to think on it more, he walked the halls towards his Ladies' rooms, to find them running about like they had lost all sense.

"What has happened?" Kakarot asked, trying hard to stifle a yawn.

"The Prince has claimed a bride you dolt! Hurry! You must get us dressed!" Videl screamed, throwing dress upon dress across the room.

"But if he has chosen a bride, why are you both in such a panic?"

Chichi and Videl both stopped to glare at their servant.

"He met someone last night, and is in search for her! He does not know where she lives, but he demanded a search of each home until she is found!" Chichi stated firmly, before throwing her hair brush at Kakarot, which connected between his eyes as usual. If he could have moved, he would have, but the pure shock of this news was too much. Prince Vegeta, HIS Vegeta, had claimed a bride? It wasn't possible! Was it?

"What are you waiting for you idiot! You must help us dress!"

Kakarot sighed and did as he was told.

~~~~~~~~

"This is the last house, my lord." the coachmen said as he opened the door, holding out a hand to help his Prince down.

"Thank you. Please inform the residents that we have arrived."

The man did as he was told, and Vegeta surveyed his surroundings. The house was large, but not overly so. A soft shale pathway could be seen at the side, leading towards a pretty little garden in the back. He could hear the soft pitter patter of a fountain somewhere in the distance.

"They are ready to receive us, my Lord."

Vegeta stepped into the large home, his eyes scanning along everything in an uninterested way. The soft sound of a woman clearing her throat startled him, and he turned to see the two women of the night before. They looked even more done up than before, and his stomach did a sickening twist.

"Your Highness." an older woman said, obviously the mother, as all three bowed to him. Vegeta grunted, and headed for a hall.

"M-My Lord! That leads to the kitchens. Surely you do not wish-"

"I will go where I please, woman." Vegeta snarled at her, heading for the kitchen a second time. He pushed open the door, and his breath caught. Leaning over a table, back facing him, was the one he had been searching for.

"Kakarot?"

The back straightened, chopping knife forgotten as it clattered to the floor. He turned, those beautiful black eyes shining with fear.

"Vegeta?"

"YOU INSOLENT FOOL! BOW BEFORE ROYALTY!" Chichi screamed as she pushed past Vegeta to enter the kitchen, grabbing an apple from the basket on the floor and bringing her arm back to hurl it towards Kakarot. Vegeta gripped her wrist, and she squeaked, staring at him in confusion.

"You will not pelt him with fruit."

"But my Lord, she is disre-... did you just say 'he'?"

"My Prince, what are you doing here?" Kakarot asked in a barely audible voice, his stomach doing little flip flops as every second ticked by.

"How DARE you question Royalty!" Videl chimed in, as she too pushed past Vegeta.

"I should ask you the same Kakarot. What is a man of noble birth doing chopping vegetables?"

All time seemed to freeze then, no one breathed, the air stilled, not even the birds outside made a sound. Soon, Chichi and Videl's laughter filled that hallow silence and they stepped forward to stand on either side of Kakarot.

"My Lord, I apologize, but you are mistaken." Videl said.

"She is no man, my Lord. I realize she may seem as such, but she has been with us all her life. She is most certainly female." Chichi added, crossing her arms.

Vegeta blinked, then narrowed his gaze.

"You lie."

"No my Lord, we do not. Here, let us show you." Videl said, giving her sister a quick glance, before both women grasped Kakarot's trousers and pulled them down in one swift motion. Kakarot squealed, mortified, as he tried to cover up his most intimate parts. The shocked gasp of both women proved his efforts useless though.

"WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU KAKAROT!?"

"SHE IS A MAN! MOTHER!!"

Kakarot fell to his knees, covering his eyes with his fingers as the tears flowed anew. He was humiliated in front of his love, and now the man he cared for knew of his low class. Never in a million years would Vegeta want him now. Not after this.

"Kakarot?"

"Please leave me. I do not deserve the attention of one such as you." Kakarot managed to gasp out between sobs.

"Kakarot, look at me."

Vegeta reached out to cup Kakarot's cheek in his hand, slowly lifting his head so he could look into the weeping man's eyes. Vegeta's glove clad hand stroked that damp cheek, his eyes shining with complete understanding and love.

"You are not a peasant, my love. You are son to a great and powerful Lord, not too far from this town. He had passed years ago, your mother disappeared years before. You are heir to a great fortune. Here is my proof." Vegeta said, holding up the silver pendent Kakarot had worn the night before. The silver glimmered in the sunshine, and Kakarot looked at Vegeta with confusion.

"I do not understand. What does this mean?"

Vegeta smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the man's forehead.

"It means that I may claim you as my lover, though I may not make you my mate until after I have produced an heir." his tone turned dark at the end of his statement, obviously not wanting to deal with the certain duty in his life.

"No worries about that!" came that familiar, sweet voice above them. Both men looked up to see Bulma, clad in a pair of bright orange bell bottoms and a matching shirt with pretty fringe dangling everywhere from it.

"Bulma?"

"Who is this?" Vegeta asked, helping his love stand.

"I'm just a really clever friend. You see Kakarot, you wished to be everything that Vegeta wanted in a mate. In doing so, you have received the gift of manhood, along with the gift of being able to create life. In essence, you're a hermaphrodite, without both sets of equipment. You can have children."

Both men stared at her as though she had grown a second head, or maybe a third. Bulma rolled her eyes, and wondered if all her clients were to be this dense.

"What do you wanna do about the bitch twins?"

Again, she received no response.

"Ugh! Forget it! I'm leaving!"

With a snap of her fingers, Bulma disappearing in a puff of blue smoke. Vegeta turned to Kakarot, his face a mix of confusion, anger, fear, and delight. Kakarot smiled and kissed him softly.

"Do not worry, she confuses me all the time."

~~~~~~~~

"And that's the end. Go to sleep."

"Dad?"

"What is it NOW, brat?"

Trunks stared at his father, blinking his eyes a few times.

"Nothing. Good night."

"Hn."

Vegeta stood, and clicked off the light as he exited the room. Trunks' eyes stayed wide, wondering how the hell he was EVER going to get back to sleep after THAT story.

~~~~~~~~

SM: *swinging a pendant in front of your face* You are getting the urge to review this fic... revieeeew... must revieeeeeew it...

TheBoy: *rolls his eyes* I can't believe I'm related to you.