AN: Congratulations to @blauvixen winner for Favourte AU in the @the-gochi-awardsâ
Her heart raced. Her palms sweated. She was scared yet excited, and despite it all, knew this is what she had to do.
Princess ChiChi pulled the hood of her cloak tighter as she traveled through an unguarded, hidden tunnel on the grounds of her castle. She studied the routine of the guards for weeks before finding a weak spot in security where she could escape. Her father, King Gyumao, loved her but as doting as he was to her, was a strict King with a violent temper. He wasnât always this way but the death of her mother sent her father into a spiral of depression where his heart hardened and he became fiercely protective of ChiChi. That protectiveness led ChiChi to have a sheltered life. He wonât be happy about her running away but she hoped her decision will open his eyes to her feelings.
For eighteen years, ChiChi felt like a prisoner in her castle. She lived as a sheltered future Queen not allowed outside the protective walls of her palace. She was not allowed to engage with people she will one day rule. Decisions of her life were made without her voice. She was dictated on what to eat, how to dress, and how to be a Princess and Future Queen.
When her father decided to choose her husband after ChiChiâs many rejections of suitors, ChiChi reached her limit. All her suitors were pompous and rude. They were not interested in her. She was a prize because she was the heir to the throne. ChiChi wanted to marry for love but her father didnât listen to her concerns.
âThese princes with their wealth and army will protect you, ChiChi. I failed to protect your mother. I wonât lose you.â
ChiChi knew of the invasion that cost her motherâs life. Her father and his teacher battled King Piccolo and his minions. The castle was left with limited guards since most of the army was wiped out and the remaining soldiers were on the battlefield. While her father and his teacher seal away the wicked King Piccolo in a magical lamp, his minion, Tambourine, breached the castle walls and killed her mother.
ChiChi used the tragedy to become a strong and exceptional fighter. Her father taught ChiChi how to fight but still had an archaic mind she should marry heirs of richer kingdoms who can provide the protection he thought ChiChi needed.
If she were to be Queen, ChiChi wanted a life outside the palace. She wanted to know her people and choose her husband. She didnât know of any way to do this other than running away. ChiChi always overheard the maids and cooks talk about the marketplace; how it was lively with food, people, and shops.
It excited her so much that when she escaped her home, the marketplace was the place she went to. It was like stepping into a new world. Voices from all directions yelled for food from their booths. There were so many varieties of foods with appeasing sights and smells. People performed fire and magic tricks in the middle of the streets. People happily converse with each other as they shopped. ChiChi saw mothers with their children, kids playing and people happily going about their lives.
Walking through the marketplace, ChiChi realized how much she missed out. Her father didnât allow her the freedom her people celebrated every day. For her protection he said but ChiChi saw a price of that protection.
True friendships. Natural growth. True love.
ChiChi heard of money but never used it. Her status didnât require her to use money but in the marketplace, she wasnât Princess ChiChi of Mt. Fry Pan. She was an ordinary woman walking through the market.
Her stomach growled again.
She wanted to taste the foods offered; wanted to purchase the jewelry trinkets and clothes being sold but couldnât because she didnât have money.
Money was needed to live and she had none. ChiChi looked in the direction of the palace. She couldnât sneak back for any. She made her decision to leave. Sheâll have to try to make it on her own.
ChiChi wasnât sure how. She turned to leave and venture to another area of the marketplace to think of her next steps when a stick of meat covered in sauce jumped in her face. ChiChi stepped back startled. Where did that come from?
âDonât you want it? You were looking at it.â
ChiChi turned to the voice and saw a young man looking down at her. He had unusual black spikes of hair that defied the laws of gravity, coal-black eyes that peered at her warmly, and a cute smile.