Grand PriestXF!Reader Part 2 Chap 8

NOTE: Please inform me of any and all grammar/errors/typos or anything out of place. Thank you!

During the next five years, you were constantly studying politics, cultures, governments,  administrations, histories, even entire ecosystems, and many other other things, that would be relevant to when the time came when you would finally be cornated as Queen of Earth.

Right now you were Queen in Training. Some people would very, in your mind, ignorantly call you "Princess." A term that you were beginning to hate. Many media figures and comedians particularly liked to call you this. Perhaps your first act as queen would be to try to pass a bill to outlaw the word princess.

But you had to not focus on this. You had to focus on your training. The day after you got back from the tournament, your attitude towards your work had changed. It wasn't that you were a bad student before, but now you were more focused on your studying than ever.

It impressed your tutors and guardians enough that they soon stopped talking about your "outing."

So you passed the next years, in relative peace.

Then one day, you got a message.

"Prime Minister Hiro Tomoe has a message for her Majesty." A messenger told you, as you were having your tea.

You looked up, you rarely spoke to the Prime Minister, who had won a third term in a landslide victory, since that night five years ago. And your guardians made sure you were never that close to him ever again. Most of your meetings were passing functions and short polite greetings.

"Please read it." You spoke, hiding your nervousness. You were also given lessons on body language and voice tone. You were being taught on how to hide any sign of nervousness, confusion, and even anger.

"He invites you to the next World Martial Arts tournament."

Your mouth gaped a bit, as you wondered how to reply. The messenger continued.

"He has a private box designed, so you can both watch it with privacy from the media and cameras. He will be honored to have you as a guest."

You knew you should say no. You knew you shouldn't be alone with him, but your thoughts came back to Goku. You had to meet that boy again; you had to know more about him.

You had to get him to be the champion. Before any guardian could refuse, you smiled, despite your stomach turning.

"I accept."

You knew you were going to get it, but you had been trained. Hiro Tomoe might he a devil in disguise, but he was still the devil you knew.

Besides one day, if the popularity polls remained the way they were now, you would have to deal with him anyway, it was probably best to start now than later.

-

Yes, you got it, but at least your guardians didn't cancel it. Not that they could have, once you had accepted, without making the Crown look like it lost face.

In contrast to your plain street clothing and old hoodie you had worn last time, you were quite nicely dressed this time, but still casual enough enough to fit in the tournament. You never realized how important clothing was to a world leader-especially a female one-until recently. The media loved to pick apart fashion choices of various leaders.

If you were too formal or made up the media would write you off as a snob or "high and mighty princess."

(Oh, you would make the word princess illegal one day. ONE DAY)

But in contrast, if you dressed too casually, you were considered sloppy and not dressing like a "queen."

You had a department that was entirely dedicated to your hair, make up, clothing, and everything else.

So you had to look nice, but not above anyone else. Every outfit was tailored to give off a distinct impression to fit the occasion and people you were meeting.

-

You felt the media cameras, flash on you, when you arrived to the tournament. You smiled calmly, and walked with in a dignified stride, not too fast or slow, as you had been taught. One would be quite surprised on how many hours could be spent learning to walk like a queen.

You waved, as you ignored the questions. You made sure to smile at the children, you didn't mind that much. Children had an innocent amazement at seeing you. Though occasionally a little girl would call you princess. You had to literally grin and bare it.

You finally were able to breathe, once the doors were closed on your box. It was only a moment of rest, because now you were with him.

Hiro Tomoe.

It was a high wooden box, quickly built, but still sturdy. There were two plush chairs, with a table of refreshments between. Behind them was a servant in attendance.

The memories of that night five years ago flashed in your mind.

You steadied yourself, as you walked up. By royal decorum, he stood up first to bow. You returned the gesture.

He gestured to one of the chairs.

"I would be honored." You gave a nod, and sat down. You gazed out at the arena, as you waited for the tournament to begin

Much to your surprise, Hiro Tomoe didn't actually speak to you much at all. He was mainly focused on the tournament, and would comment on parts that particularly interested him. He also told jokes, which much to your regret, you actually laughed at. Hiro Tomoe was a pretty funny guy

He did have a good sense of humor. It helped his image after all. It put people at ease.

But it wasn't putting you much at ease. You were on high alert, waiting for any sign he was going to manipulate you, or try to endure you to him. You still remembered the conversation about water, all those years ago.

"Do you want something to drink?"

You nodded, as you watched the fights. Much to your delight Goku was there. When he was on stage, your attention was taken off Hiro Tomoe. It was wonderful to see how strong the monkey tailed boy had gotten over the years.

When you were officially queen you were going to make him your champion to defend Earth, at all costs. You would pay him handsomely, or give him whatever else he wanted. Probably food or something like that.

Seeing your future champion put you at ease.

You also remembered those unconfirmed rumors of the Red Ribbon Army being destroyed by a boy. Most laughed at the rumors, but you couldn't help but wonder.

You were enjoying the tournament fully until one match.

It was against a three eyed man and a man you vaguely recognized from the last tournament-Yamcha.

You gasped when you saw it. That man broke Yamcha's leg!

On purpose!

You immediately stood up from your chair.

"How can they do allow it!" You lost that calm and regal royal mask. You were just glad no one else saw it.

Though Hiro Tomoe seeing it was bad enough.

Though the Prime Minister looked up with sympathy.

"Unfortunately, what he did was legal. Because injuries are so common, by nature of the sport, it takes a very brutal attack to be disqualified, and I'm afraid that wasn't brutal enough."

Not brutal enough.

"I'm going to leave for a moment."

You grabbed a pull over, that you took in case of rain.

But where out the door before anymore protests could be made.

-

This brought back memories; wearing a disguise, as you walked around the ring toward the back.

"You can't ent-"

The guard didn't finish his sentence before you dropped your hood.

He lost the sentence, and immediately dropped down into a bow.

"Thank you." You said politely, as you tip toed past him. You pulled your hood on again, and walked in. No one paid much attention to you, as you followed the signs to the nurses station.

There he lay. His leg had been stretched and boarded. It was all they could do until it was properly cast.

You quietly sneaked in. He looked over at you. The pain kept him speaking at first. You lowered your hood.

"You...you are..."

"The Queen." You responded.

"Um...what are you doing here?"

You bit your lip. Yes, what were you doing here?

"I...um...wanted to see you."

Wait, why were you saying "um" wasn't that word almost literally beaten out of you. Why was this man making you so nervous.

Then you looked into his eyes. You felt a flare in your cheeks. He was quite handsome.

"I wanted to see if you were okay. That guy was very unsportmen like." Yes, that is how a queen would speak.

"Oh, thanks for checking on me."

You oddly felt stiff.

Then he smiled.

Your heart melted.

"Though maybe Tien did a good one on me to make me think the Queen herself is checking on me. Surely, I can't be that important."

That smile and his words brought you at ease. You were use to talking in this very formal and detached tone. But despite your training, you felt a strange casualness with this man.

"All of Earth is important to me." You stepped forward, swallowing, as you made it to his bedside. He was even more handsome up close. There was silence. "Does it hurt?" It was the first thing you could think of.

"Yeah, it kind of does. But only when I breathe." He said with that handsome grin. "So you were watching my fight?"

You nodded.

"Really messed up there didn't I?"

You quickly shook your head.

"No, you fought honorably. Your moves were actually...pretty cool. The stuff with the wolves were amazing. It was nice just seeing you move."

Oh, God did you just say the way he move? But he didn't seem to read anything bad into it.

"Wow, praise from the Queen. Well, I guess that makes my life. I don't get comments like that a lot." He suddenly looked much sadder, as his eyes dropped.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's just say I'm kind of a joke among my friends. I probably shouldn't be telling a stranget about this...but-"

"Often it is easier to tell a stranger something than it is a friend."

He laughed a little, but then his face scrunched up in pain.

"I'm sorry." You cringed.

He shook his head, that smile returning.

"No, don't apologize. You are actually right. Well-" He straightened a bit. "If you want to hear my sob story, it is pretty short. I'm not the best fighter on my team. I'm probably actually the worse, so I tend to be the butt of jokes more often than not."

You looked down.

"I can understand that. Let's say the media isn't quite kind to me. I'm sure you've seen some of those late night comedians." You looked away, as hurt feelings arouse from those memories of this horrible jokes at your expense. Most of which were inaccurate or all out lies.

"I've seen them..." He admitted, "But it looks like those guys were just blowing hot air. You seem to be a pretty good lady if you came down here just to speak to me."

You smiled in return.

"And you don't seem bad yourself. You know just because people make fun of you doesn't mean your bad or a loser or anything. But I know it hurts. It hurts for people to think that about you when you try your hardest. People who barely know you, and don't understand how hard you really work."

"Damn! Your exactly right. It hurts to be thought of like that." He looked over at you. "Never thought I would relate to the Queen of all people."

"I don't relate to anyone much."

But you did him. You felt an ease with him that you couldn't explain. Despite having opposite roles in the social ladder, you felt a strange closeness to him.

You continued.

"It seems that everyone thinks I'm going to fail, and sometimes its hard not to believe it myself. They tell me about the dangers, and I wonder if I can really do it."

"They tell me the same thing about fighting. They tell me I can't take this or that guy. And you know what?"

You brightened.

"They are usually right."

You deflated.

"But you know what? I keep going in. I know I'm not the strongest; I would like to be, but I probably won't be, but I want to keep trying. I still want to be the best I can be. Even if it isn't the best. It is the best of me. Damn, am I making sense?"

At that you gave a laugh.

"Actually, you are making more sense than my entire council."

"Damn! if that's the case I think the Earth is in trouble."

You laughed some more. When have you ever felt at ease with anyone else? You were about to speak again when the door opened.

"Yamcha!"

You froze; you knew that voice.

Bulma.

You turned, and you saw the beautiful blue haired girl come up to Yamcha. She looked at him. Really looked at him. Your heart sank.

They were an item. You lowered your head in dejection, and became more and more aware of any and all physical flaws you had in comparison to Bulma, a girl famous for her beauty along with brains.

You suddenly felt very small. They were all greeting Yamcha, but then Bulma glanced over; saw you, and cried.

"Oh, Your Majesty!" She gave quick bow.

The others looked surprised, but quickly bowed except for two.

Goku and Krillin.

You had seen them from your box, but not up close.

You smiled at Goku, and went up to him.

"It is so nice to see you again! It looks like you've been training."

Goku shook his head very firmly, with his always innocent smile and gleam in his eyes.

"So how are you doing, Princess?"

You snapped your head, and gave Krillin a good glare. He only snickered in return. Part of you are annoyed, but another part actually liked someone who wasn't either awed by you or a passive aggressive enemy.

"I am a queen in training."

"Um, that kind of is what being a princess is."

You stood up with your hands on your hips.

"No, a queen in training and princess are VERY different."

"Explain."

At that moment you knew you had to make it illegal to say princess, and you would make it punishable by death if a short bald person said it: NO EXCEPTIONS.

Before you began your counter arguments, you saw a guard had come for you. He gestured at the door.

You quickly looked over at Goku.

"You'll be here in next tournament, right?"

The boy nodded eagerly.

You gave him one last glance before leaving.

You wouldn't ask him now. He was still far too young, despite his strength. But one day, you would both be old enough to make that decision together.

-

The final match was quite exhilarating, but you were disappointed that Tien was given the victory. Especially considering that it was based on the technicality of Goku hitting the ground first, but it was still a great tournament.

You just hoped he would win the next one.

Little did you know that what would happen next, would be like nothing you had seen before.