CHAPTER FIVE:

Vegeta stared at the fuel gauge in despair. They were running short on fuel and he would have to make a quick pit stop at a nearby planet. This was going to delay his arrival to earth by a day, but at least he wasn’t going to be stranded in space.

“We have to make a quick pit stop.” He spoke up loudly, turning around to look at the two sisters. “I need to fill up the tank.”

“And where would this stop be?” Ayeka asked, staring out of the window to observe their current location.

“There is the nearby planet of Venus. We could stop there for a while.” Vegeta replied, as he began to stir his ship towards the said place. “Probably get some more food and you can both find something decent to wear.”

“About time…” Ayeka mumbled beneath her breath. The light snigger from Vegeta, made her raise her head sharply. He couldn’t possibly have heard her. Even Sasami that was sitting right next to her had not heard her comment. She frowned again. There was something definitely not right with this Earthling. She had read all about the planet called Earth from her many books and not once had she read anything about Earthlings that could fly on their own.

~ He did say he lived there, but that doesn’t mean that he has to be a member of the human race…although he does look like one. He is obviously very strong. He was able to withstand my electric shocks and he is very sensitive…~

“Oh, look Ayeka! That’s Venus!” Sasami squealed in delight, breaking Ayeka’s train of thought.

The Princess stared at the pale pink sphere that they were approaching rapidly. This could be the opportunity she had been looking for. Yes! Once they got off the ship, she was going to head over to the nearest Galaxy Police Office and she was going to report Vegeta and probably find someone to take them back to Jurai.

~ Do you really want to go back, Ayeka? ~

~ Of course, I do. ~ She thought back angrily at her second inner voice. The smart, reasonable one. ~

~ So you wish to go back to a life of rules and obedience and pressure. Remember, you have to choose a husband for yourself once you get back. You have to keep up with tradition. ~

~ I know all of that! ~

~ So why do you want to go back? Why don’t you stay with Vegeta and see what this planet Earth looks like. Consider it a second vacation. After all, you deserve it. ~

Ayeka bit her lower lip in consternation. It was so tempting. So very tempting. She slid a glance at the laughing Sasami and felt a reluctant smile begin to show on her face. Sasami was so carefree and fun, while she was a frumpy…

Shrugging away the negative thought, she found herself sucking in a harsh breath at the look on Vegeta’s face. He was listening to something Sasami was saying and whatever it was made him throw back his head in laughter. A rich, hearty baritone spilled out from his throat and his usual scowling features, relaxed into a strange youthful look that made his already handsome features seem…

“Beautiful…” she whispered softly. A slight pang of pain flashed through her chest, as she knew that Vegeta would never laugh with her in that way. She was too uptight and she could never get herself to relax and be as free as Sasami was.

~ I am the Crown Princess of Jurai. ~ She reminded herself. ~ I have duties and obligations. My personal feelings should not interfere with my role in life…and….and… ~

And she wanted to scream out to the universe that it just wasn’t fair.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Vegeta watched out of the corner of his eye as Ayeka gave orders to her logs to remain on the ship. She couldn’t very well have them following her every move and besides it would give her away. Vegeta chuckled lightly. He would have thought that the Princess would have wanted to take off as soon as they had landed, but it seemed like she was non-committal about the issue. She had not pulled a tantrum since they had gotten off the ship and she had even seemed eager to explore the beautiful seaside city.

~ And damn it! She looks fantastic in that body suit. ~

“Full tank, sir?”

Vegeta snapped out of his daze and nodded curtly at the mechanic. “Fill her up. How much is that going to cost?” He asked, hoping he wasn’t going to get a really high price range. He didn’t have enough money as it was.

“Oh, no problem, mister.” The man said, tipping his hat lightly. “I see you got Princess Ayeka with ya. So, it’s on the house.”

Vegeta gaped numbly at the sheepish grin on the others’ face. Well…this was a nice development. Seems like having Ayeka as a passenger was turning out to be a lucky charm. Grinning widely, Vegeta snatched a nearby box of doughnuts and asked sheepishly, “Is this on the house too?”

“Ahh….no…” The man said, his smile disappearing quickly. “That’s gonna cost ya five woolongs.”

~*~*~*~*~

Ayeka allowed her fingers to run through the rich fabric again. The dress was absolutely stunning. She was used to wearing a lot of kimonos that tended to be heavy and dowdy after a while, but this slinky sparkling white evening dress, with its thin spaghetti straps, was like a dream. She shut her eyes and imagined herself walking down the royal palace with it on….oh…her parents would have a fit!

“Why don’t you try it on?”

Ayeka snapped her eyes open and felt her face heat up with embarrassment as she stared at the smiling face of the store manager.

“Oh, no….I just couldn’t…it’s too…”

“Our fitting rooms are right over there.” The blonde-haired woman continued, already beginning to usher the protesting princess to the area. “Here you are. Just try it on.”

Before she could blurt another word out, she was shoved into the spacious dressing room. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she pursed her lips as she contemplated sneaking out of the place. Even if she did try it on, how was she going to pay for it? Vegeta hadn’t exactly given them any money. Snorting in frustration, she peeled out of the bodysuit and began to put the shimmering fabric over her. It felt like silk on her skin and she couldn’t help sighing softly as she twirled around in it. Her loosely tied hair was released and it cascaded in soft waves around her. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to go into her dream world.

She was walking down the golden royal steps into the large ornate and grand ballroom of the palace. The silk, white evening gown on her shimmered brightly in the slightly darkened room and she could hear the audible gasps from the thousands of guests. Everyone was there; her father, her mother, Sasami and even Yosho. She grinned widely as she walked towards the long line of waiting suitors. Strolling down the long line, her smile quickly became a frown, as she couldn’t seem to find him. The line was going on forever and she was beginning to get frantic.

~ Where was he?! How could he leave her here? Where are you? ~

She began to run, the dress making it nearly impossible to move. All the faces before her seemed to shift and move from smiling grins to evil cackles. She was going to scream. She couldn’t take it any more. Where was he?!!!

“AHHHHHHHH!!!!!”

The door to the dressing room burst open and Ayeka spun around sharply to stare into the concerned eyes of Sasami, the store manager, and a scowling Vegeta….and several other customers that were now observing the curious display.

“Are you okay, Ayeka?” Sasami asked. “We heard your scream.”

“I think the whole planet heard your scream.” Vegeta retorted, earning a softly spoken ‘stop it’ from Sasami. “Do you always do that when you dress up?” He asked, his eyes taking in the white gown with barely concealed appreciation.

Ayeka’s face darkened a bright red. What was wrong with her? “I am sorry. It is just that…that…I…”

“Is there something wrong with the dress?” the store manager asked in worried tones. She couldn’t afford to lose another customer, especially one as important as the Princess. “Because if there is, we can always get you another one.”

“Oh, no…no! There is nothing wrong with the dress.” Ayeka said hastily. “I just don’t think I want to buy it right now. I will come back for it later.” She muttered, barely concealing her disappointment. “Now, if you would all excuse me, I have to change.”

Receiving several apologies and a ‘hmph’ from Vegeta, she was finally left alone. And sinking to the chair that was kept in the small room, she buried her face in her hands and wept silently.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Half an hour later, the three travelers strolled down the relative bustling streets of the city, admiring the sights and sounds in the early evening light. Vegeta was slightly ahead of the two sisters, his eyes searching for a buffet restaurant…that was cheap. He was starving.

“Hey! Hurry up you two!” He bellowed, spinning around to glare at the dawdling sisters. “I need to eat something!”

Ayeka frowned in displeasure. “Why do you always have to yell? We can hear you quite perfectly you know.”

“Somehow I doubt that.” Vegeta said flippantly as he made his way into the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet. Ayeka and Sasami stared at the restaurant with raised eyebrows. They had never been to a buffet before.

“Well…there is a first for everything.” Ayeka said, shrugging.

Stepping into the restaurant, the two princesses unconsciously cringed at the noise and activity that surrounded them. People seemed to be everywhere. The smell of cigarettes and alcohol filled their sensitive nostrils and the usage of some foul language reached their sensitive ears. Ayeka reached around to cover Sasami’s ears and frowning in growing irritation, she walked over to Vegeta, who was currently standing in line.

“What is this place?!” she whispered harshly.

Vegeta raised an eyebrow and answered as if he were talking to a five-year-old. “It is a restaurant, Princess. Have you never seen one before?”

“This place is not…not…”

“Up to your standards?” Vegeta spat out angrily. “Forgive me, but I am hungry and I do not have the time to look for appearances. Now, excuse me, but I have some orders to pay for.” And turning back, he focused his attention on the cashier.

Ayeka growled and grit her teeth. She wanted to stomp out of there, but the sudden sharp smell of some fried chicken nearby, caused her stomach to rumble, reminding her of how little she had had to eat in the past two days.

“Please follow me this way.” A waiter said, leading the trio towards a table that was conveniently placed next to the enormous amount of food that had been set out. The waiter placed their plates and cups for them and giving them a small grin, he said cheerfully. “Enjoy!”

Not needing a second invitation, Vegeta bounced off his seat and headed towards the mouth-watering dishes, never once giving a glance at all the looks he was beginning to receive as he loaded up his plate with everything he could get his hands on.

‘Damn these small plates…” he grumbled beneath his breath. “I would have to get up again for seconds in a few….seconds.”

Ayeka and Sasami watched open-mouthed as Vegeta walked back to the table with a plate piled high with food. They hadn’t even gotten around to selecting their seats yet and the man was already digging into the meal with a ferociousness that bordered on being considered gross. Sasami giggled at the display.

“Gee…he really was hungry, huh Ayeka?”

“I am sure he was.” Ayeka mumbled, spinning around with a haughty ‘hmph’ and walking towards the selections.

~ He didn’t even have the decency to ask for what we wanted. The barbarian. ~

Selecting some salads and soup for herself, she helped Sasami with her own meal, slowly beginning to feel her skin crawl at the looks she was beginning to receive.

~ They are beginning to recognize me. ~ She thought in dismay. ~ We have to get out of here soon. ~

Sitting down on her chair, she lowered her gaze and watched in amazement as Vegeta got up to go for his second helping. ~ Goodness….what is he? ~

Vegeta came back in record time and began to dig into his food again, completely ignoring everyone and everything. Munching on a chicken thigh, he finally raised his eyes to stare into those rose-colored orbs that he was beginning to have a strange weakness for….except for the fact that the eyes were now filled with disgust.

Smirking lightly, he grabbed his drink and finished it in a gulp, belching loudly as he watched Ayeka cringe. Grinning wildly now, he leaned into her and whispered huskily, his eyes dancing with evil delight.

“I hope you aren’t displeased with my manners now, Princess.”

Ayeka tried to say something; hopelessly aware of how his close proximity was doing a number on her nerves. She opened up her mouth to give him a sharp retort, but was suddenly silenced as she felt his finger press against her lips in a silencing motion.

“Not another word, Ayeka.” Vegeta drawled lazily, his fingers lightly caressing her warm lips.

Ayeka swallowed tightly. What was he doing to her? And in public too? Had he no shame? She was slowly turning into mush and it was all with…

A small smile suddenly graced her lips and Vegeta’s eyebrows raised up in slight confusion. What was she up to? But before he could reason out an answer, he sucked in a sharp breath as he felt her tongue dart out to lick his finger. He lowered his gaze at the blatant look of need on her face and feeling a slight groan about to erupt from his mouth at the erotic display, he instead let out a surprised yelp of pain as Ayeka’s teeth clamped down tightly on his finger, causing him to drop his chicken.

“You little bitch!” he whispered harshly, as Sasami burst out in laughter, while Ayeka turned back to her meal with a satisfied smirk on her face.

“I would concentrate on your meal, Vegeta.” She said smugly, as she chewed daintily on her salad. “Trying to seduce me in public will not work. Do you understand?”

The only reply she received, however, was an angry grunt and a scowl.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Vegeta counted the money left in his possession….which was painfully low. He wasn’t even sure it could get them a decent room to sleep in tonight. He hated this….this…inconvenience.

“Is everything alright?”

He spun around at the carefree voice and raised a questioning eyebrow at the relaxed looking Princess. The food and drink (she had had several cups of white wine and was feeling a bit giddy) seemed to have put her in good spirits and Vegeta found himself reluctantly appreciating this new side to the uptight girl, even if the mood was artificially induced.

“Hello?” Ayeka asked, her face breaking into a wide smile as she waved her hands in front of Vegeta’s face. “I asked you a question.”

“Everything’s fine.” Vegeta replied. “Everything except for money.”

Ayeka’s mouth went into a small pout, unaware of what that motion did to Vegeta physically, and she frowned as if in really deep thought. Finally, after several minutes of thinking, she said out loud.

“I know how we can get some money.”

Vegeta looked skeptical. “How?”

Ayeka called out to her little sister. “Sasami…where is that flyer we saw earlier?”

Sasami ran towards the adults with a sheet of paper in her hands. Snatching it from her hands, Vegeta stared at the announcement, reading it softly to himself.

“You have got to be kidding me!” He blurted out, as the words sank in. “There is no way I am going to enter into that competition.”

“You don’t have to enter the competition.” Ayeka said sharply, grabbing the paper away from him. “I will do it.”

Vegeta’s mouth opened in shock. “You?! Now, why would you want to go and do that?”

“Because, we need the money!! Right?!” Ayeka yelled back, feeling her head begin to throb in the beginnings of a major headache.

“Can you sing?” Vegeta asked with a smirk on his face. “With a screechy voice like yours, I find it hard to believe that you can actually pelt out a decent tune.”

“Ayeka sings really well.” Sasami said quickly, watching the growing anger on her sister’s face with faint alarm. “I bet she could win the competition.”

“Hn. I guess we will have to see about that.”

“Alright…” Vegeta grumbled. He really was not looking forward to this at all. “Let us find this Karaoke bar and enter the stupid competition.”

“Thank you for your huge kindness.” Ayeka mumbled sarcastically, already heading off on her own with Sasami close behind.

Vegeta stalked after her with a displeased frown on his face. “All I know is that you had better win or I am leaving you both on this planet.”

Ignoring Vegeta’s comment, Ayeka led them down several streets until they finally reached the club called the ‘Velvet Rope’. Vegeta snickered at the name and wondered briefly if Sasami was old enough to be in this kind of a place. Fortunately, it looked like it was family night and as they approached the door to the club, the doorman asked cheerfully,

“Family of three, sir?”

Both Vegeta and Ayeka blushed at the insinuation and before any of them could refute the statement, the doorman continued in the same irritatingly happy voice that made Vegeta want to punch him in the gut.

“Alrighty then, that would be a twenty-five percent discount….and would any of you be entering our Karaoke competition tonight?”

“Yes…” Ayeka began.

“Wonderful! Now if you would just fill out this form…and if I can get daddy to take his beautiful little daughter…you are so cute…you will be sitting on table number fifteen. Is that okay? Mommy will be joining you two in a bit. Now run along, spaces are filling up fast.”

Vegeta could only sputter out in disbelief as the man continued to rattle off, and glaring at the giggling Sasami, he led his ‘family’ into the nearly crowded bar.