Dear Diary,
Tomorrow is my 18th nameday. It's a day every little girl dreams of, a day they anticipate every single day of their seventeen years prior. A day in which just the thought of it makes hearts burst with joy and stomachs fill with excitement. But for me, it is the day I've dreaded the most since I learned the meaning of it. That's when I realized I was different from the other Elite girls.
Tomorrow is the day the Royal Council will announce my betroth. As the daughter of the highest ranking Saiyan Elite guard, it is only fitting that my mate be the best, in strength and in rank. What other females would hope, pray and fantasize over is something I absolutely loathe. Why should a bunch of old brutes who've only ever been exposed to war and hardship dictate who I should mate?!
It just isn't fair.
x, Chichi
XXXXXXXXXX
"Today is the day, sweetheart. Are you excited?" Her mother asked smiling, while rearranging Chichi's dress for the fifth time.
"No. I hate this, mother. Why must-"
"Oh, Chichi, stop." Her mother stood up swiftly, towering over her by at least a foot. Chichi still never understood why she was so short. "You've been complaining about this since you were fourteen and nothing has changed. Just accept it already. Besides you're not really mating, they just announce who you're promised too." Her mother's tone firm and serious.
"I can't accept it! It's terribly wrong, absolutely insane and just plain unfair! What if I don't even like-"
"Chichi, enough! This whining is unlike for a Saiyan Elite as yourself! The mating ceremony has been in tradition for hundreds of years and it's not going to stop just because you want it too." Her mother huffed, frustration evident in her eyes. She was sick and tired of repeating this conversation.
Chichi sat down on a settee. "But mother, wha- what if he doesn't like me? What if we don't get along?"
Her mother sat down beside her, looking into her eyes. She was a very beautiful woman.
"Plenty of females have done it before, including me! Do you honestly believe I would marry a brute like your father?" She laughed, her voice bouncing around sweetly.
Chichi laughed a little also. "Yeah, but that's different. You and Papa love each other. You were always meant to be."
"Aha, see now that's where you're wrong. Me and your father hated each other's guts!"
"Mother!"
"I'm just joking! But I did give your father the run of his life, I mean.. our first few months were difficult. See, I was just like you, Chichi. I was a tomboy. I played with the boys and sparred with my father. I could have cared less about mates and pretty dresses. So when my betroth was announced and your father took me back to his quarters.. let's just say he slept on the couch for a few months."
"Wait, you moved into Papa's quarters right after the ceremony?"
"Not willingly. See, my mother wasn't as lenient as I am. She practically forced me to move in. But the choice is yours, Chichi. Whenever you feel ready and comfortable enough to move in, you shall. That's what the three year grace period is for. But maybe that's why I gave your father a hard time. I was uncomfortable and I guess I wanted him to feel that way also." she said playfully
"Really? And he still mated you?" Chi wondered.
"Well, your father is a very patient man. He waited for me. He didn't force me into anything I didn't want to do. And for that, I fell in love with him. He became my best friend and soon my mate." She said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Why didn't you tell me this before? I would have looked forward to this day much more."
She smiled at her daughter. "Because you have your father's memory. You would forget this when you need it the most." She embraced Chichi with one arm. "But Chichi."
"Yes, mother." They locked eyes and Chichi knew what her mother was about to say was very important.
"The male that is chosen for you today is the mate you are to mate with on your 21st. It is Saiyan law neither you or I can change that, but please promise me that you will try your best to make things work."
"Yes, mother. I promise."
She kissed her forehead. "And remember, it may not seem like it at the moment, but your happiness comes first."
Just then the door opened and in entered Chichi's father.
"There you are! How are my favorite two females?"
Chichi ran up to her father, who was also much taller than her. "Oh Papa, do I have too?" she said dramatically
"Now Chichi, we've gone over this. This has been a tra-"
Her mother interrupted, saving them from a lecture. "Yes, yes a tradition, Saiyan law and all the alike. She knows, darling. She's just being a little pest." She got up to embrace her husband, which turned into a small lip locking session.
Chichi covered her eyes. "Can't you do that in your own quarters?"
"We did. And you happened." Her mother giggled, earning a laugh from her father.
Chichi's cheeks turned a bright pink, eliciting more laughter from her parents.
"It's not funny! And seriously, I have to finish getting dressed. The ceremony starts in half an hour."
"Oh yes you do. Doesn't she just look lovely, Ox?" Her mother said, with happy tears forming in her eyes.
"Yes, our little brat is all grown up, Akemi. You are beautiful, Chichi." His father said warmly
"Thank you, Papa." Chichi mumbled, she never took compliments well.
Akemi waved her tears dry, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "Enough of that. We must prepare you for your mate."
XXXXXXXXXX
One step closer to the ceremony. Chichi thought as she walked toward the banquet hall with her parents in tow. Her father on her right and her mother on her left. They were all dressed in the most elaborate of clothing, allowing for minimal movement, which meant the walk to the hall was excruciatingly long. Each step reverberated through Chichi, increasing her anxiety by the second.
She looked towards her mother, hoping to absorb some of the confidence that was radiating off of her. Her mother truly was a gorgeous woman. Much like Chichi herself, she had long black locs that touched her bottom. She possessed a figure fit for a goddess, everything about her was firm and toned. Her features were cat-like with a pointy nose, high cheekbones, oval shaped eyes, and shapely pink lips. Her fiery spirit never allowed her to be pushed around or taken advantage of, but she had a heart of compassion. She loved hard and protected her family relentlessly. Not only that, but she fought side by side with her husband in battle, her temper always permitting her a guaranteed win in any fight. She was never second to anyone or anything, making her the perfect Saiyan Elite warrior. Akemi Mau, her mother, her best friend.
She then looked to her father. He was tall with a lean build. He had a thick, but well kept beard. He too had prominent cheekbones that shaped his handsome face. Deep, charcoal eyes and a thick patch of short black locs completed his look. His face was etched in a stern glare, completely different from earlier. Despite how easygoing and amusing he was, that was an attitude he kept solely for behind closed doors. When it came down to battle, training, or dealing with the Royal Council and his subordinates, he became serious. It's how he earned his title. Her father was never one to be second guessed, doubted or questioned. He completed everything with a sober mind. His comrades looked up to him and admired him, he set forth the example of what they ought to be. An outsider could easily mistake him for the King. He had the heart of an ox, never afraid of battle or a challenge. Yet, he could be the most patient, gentlest man at times. She was proud to call the highest ranking Saiyan Elite guard, Okyoito Mau, her father.
Chichi smiled inwardly. It is only fitting that they are together. The best for the best.
The sound of heavy doors opening brought Chichi out of her daydreaming.
Her mother lifted her veil to kiss her forehead. "This is it, Chichi. The start of your new life." Her mother whispered. Her father squeezed her hand, also kissing her forehead, a rare display of public affection. "Yes, Chichi. A new life indeed." Her father said.
They entered the banquet hall, greeted by potential mates and many other Saiyan Elites who gathered to witness the ceremony. They were also eager to see who Chichi would be promised to. One Saiyan Elite in particular who greeted them, was Bardock Son. He was practically an uncle to Chichi being that he was her father's best friend. He was another person that brought out the relaxed side of Ox, but in this moment he saluted him as a soldier. Bardock was a Saiyan Elite guard also, which meant he knew when playtime was over. Especially before the King. Beside Bardock were his two sons, Kakarot and Raditz, who were also potential mates. They also greeted them, her father sneaking a smile to Kakarot. Although her father loved both Kakarot and Raditz equally, she always knew that Kakarot was like the son he never had… which she always envied him for. He'd never given her any reason to feel this way, but she sometimes felt like her father wished his only child had been a boy. She'd seen the way he was with Kakarot. Although her father sparred with her, taught her everything she knew about fighting and even bought her battle armor, she always felt he had a different energy when around Kakarot. It was her father's only flaw.
Chichi and her parents continued walking down the aisle until they were before the King and Queen. All three bowed simultaneously, and were then ushered to their seats.
"Silence!" King Vegeta called. The chatter stopped immediately. It became so quiet that you could hear the drop of a pin. The King cleared his throat, signaling the master of ceremonies to begin his speech.
"Today, we gather before the King and Queen in celebration of the 18th nameday and mating ceremony of Chiisana Mau. The male that is betrothed to you today is the male who is too officially mate you on your 21st nameday. The time between now and then is the grace period, testing the loyalty, patience and dedication of both parties involved. If for any reason a problem arises for which they may not mate, it must be dealt with swiftly and accordingly….."
The speeches lasted a lifetime. After the master of ceremonies read the introduction, he continued to explain the order of events and how the ceremony was going to take place. Chichi was bored to death and thanks to her veil, she was able to catch some shut eye without anyone noticing. Her mother was soon called to the pulpit to provide a brief history of Chichi's childhood, her likes and dislikes, best and worst personality traits, and lastly her overall character.
Her mother walked to the pulpit with her head held high, not at all intimidated by the majority male Elite crowd. Her long, silky hair flowed freely down to her bottom. It was in a half up, half down style with loose curls. The deep red dress she wore had a train with gold detailing and a high turtleneck. She paired it with a gold dressing cape.
Her presence alone demanded attention.
She cleared her throat. "Chiisana Mau. My firstborn. My daughter. My heart. My only. It feels like it was just yesterday that I held you in my arms, as fragile as you were. You were so little that the name Chiisana seemed fitting. And now look, so strong, courageous and independent. You are one to never back down from a challenge which makes you unlike any other female brat I've ever known. Never intimidated by your male counterparts, you always welcome a fight. You are a flame that cannot be put out, a fiery spirit. Loyal, hardworking and relentless are just a few ways I could describe your character. You put your all into becoming stronger and living up to the examples of which your father and I have set. It is only natural that we call you ours, for you have not disappointed. The mate that is promised to you today…" she took a moment to gather her emotions, ".. is a fortunate one. Whomever is mated to you will have a fulfilling, adventurous life. There is always something new to learn of you everyday. Chiisana...," she caught eyes with a tearful Chichi, "...I pray to the gods that this new life you will carry is filled with blessings and victories. Happy 18th nameday, my love."
The crowd applauded as she left the pulpit. When she arrived back at her seat, Chichi immediately embraced her.
"Oh, Chichi. It's all right. You'll be fine." Her mother's comforting words soothing her worries. "He'd be a fool to not love you."
"Come along now Chichi. It's time." Her father stood up, holding out his arm for her to take. It was time for him to present her before the King and finally, her mate to be.
She took her father's arm as he walked her towards the throne the King sat on. Once again, they bowed simultaneously. It was time.
Now Chichi had been to mating ceremonies before, so she knew how these things went. Usually, the master of ceremonies read the name of the male the female was betrothed to. But when she heard the voice begin to speak, it was the King's. He cleared his throat, speaking slowly….
"Chiisana Mau. I am pleased to announce that you are betrothed to my son, Prince Vegeta Ouiji."
At the sound of the name, she nearly collapsed, but luckily her father held her steady. His grip unnaturally tight, he was clearly surprised by the name also.
"...you are betrothed to my son, Prince Vegeta Ouiji."
R&R
