Of Two Hearts

Chapter 10: Ambition Destroyed

The Ox-King glared around at everyone, furious, demanding an explanation. Koto saw the crowd stand frozen still, afraid of the Ox-King's presence and the fact he was upset. "Don't forget the real reason you're here!" Koto exclaimed suddenly, breaking the silence.

In reality, he was speaking to disguise a few of the Officials, who were lighting the hay with their own torches. They were hidden behind Koto and the large crowd, and they blended right in. Plus, they were facing the Ox-King's back.

Koto tried to stir up the crowd again. "This is the day you all will see the revenge of the people against the beast!" he announced. "I'm just as eager as you are to see his fate! You won't regret coming here today. I, Koto, deliver justice in the beast's death!"

He turned and held the torch high above his head again. "Death to the ape-man and the traitor!"

He let out a battle cry and threw the torch at the hay at Goku and Chi-Chi's feet. He didn't hear the gasps from the astounded crowd as he laughed evilly. Was Koto insane? The crowd wondered. How could he try to kill Chi-Chi especially when her father was right there?

The Ox-King was disgusted and enraged at the act. He saw the bountiful hay bloom into blazing flames, all around the victims, and a thick cloud of smoke rise, causing Chi-Chi to cough and sputter. She cried out from the heat of the flames, licking at her clothing.

Beside her, Goku was close to passing out.

"Chi-Chi!" the Ox-King yelled, and tried to run toward her, but Koto stood in front of the Ox-King. "Your Majesty," he said firmly. "It was destined that the ape-man die, and the princess requested the same fate."

The Ox-King looked at Koto in disgust and shock. "Shut your mouth, you filthy liar!" he yelled, and punched Koto in the face. Koto cried out as he fell to the ground, and the Ox-King stepped on him before running toward Chi-Chi and Goku.

"O…Otousan," Chi-Chi mused, delirious. The smoke and heat was beginning to affect her.

The Ox-King reached out to extinguish the flames, but sparks jumped out at him, burning his skin. He grunted and tried to leap towards Chi-Chi again, but he suddenly felt something wet touch his face, and then a rumble.

Everyone looked up to see the earlier thunderclouds cast above them. It was only a few moments until the drizzling started, followed by a shower that began to fall, extinguishing the flames that threatened to take Chi-Chi and Goku's lives.

"No!" Koto yelled. "What are the chances that a stupid storm ruin everything?!"

"Shut up, Koto! Just shut up! It's over!" Jiro yelled.

With the help of the shower, the Ox-King finally and clearly saw Goku and Chi-Chi tied together at the stake. His face grew redder with anger, and he ran over to the stake. He pulled apart the ropes that bound Chi-Chi and Goku together with his bare hands. He shoved Goku to the ground and yanked Chi-Chi by the arm, away from everyone else.

"Everyone here is a dirty dog," the Ox-King growled. "I don't even want to hear a good reason why I shouldn't break everyone's necks!" He glared down at Chi-Chi.

"Daughter!" he bellowed. "Perhaps I didn't hear correctly, but tell me. Was your speech… Was your confession of love toward Goku true?"

Chi-Chi looked up into the Ox-King's eyes. This was the moment she had always dreaded. She knew the consequences of everything she had done: escaping royal treatment, feigning love to Vegeta, showing true love for Goku, and keeping all of this in secrecy.

The moment had arrived.

"Yes," she whispered. "I will not lie. I love Goku more than my own self."

"Unbelievable," the Ox-King muttered hastily. He let go of Chi-Chi's arm and faced the crowd.

"Go home!" he ordered the people. "All of you! What made you all think such an event would occur without my telling you? And such a despicable event at that! What are you looking at? Go home now!"

The crowd's large number began to dwindle, and soon, the last person was gone. The people would not dare disobey their emperor. The rain was beginning to soak them anyway.

Next, the Ox-King glared at Koto, Saku, and Jiro. "You filthy cockroaches. I would have humiliated you in public, but what I'm about to say is addressed to you and not the people. You are greedy, self-serving excuses for men. I must admit you were sneaky in your ways.

"How sly of you to make bountiful amounts of money by showing Goku off as if he were a prized animal hide. Too bad all that money will go to me, and your fate will be the fate you had planned for my daughter and her beloved."

Then he turned to the Officials. "The same goes for all of you, you liars! How could some of my finest, most trusted men support such an act behind my back? I see nothing but shame in all of you. Clean up this mess, and then I will take care of you."

The Ox-King looked at Chi-Chi lastly. "As for you… I don't even know where to begin. Shall we start with your little escapades or with your lies to hide Goku? You have been a foolish, irresponsible girl. Go home. Vegeta will meet you, and there we will discuss your punishment."

***

Chi-Chi stood in front of a small group consisting of a few guards, a few maids-in-waiting, and the Ox-King sitting in his throne. The Ox-King called for this little meeting, and as always, some witnesses were there to testify.

"I have taken care of other business," the Ox-King started. "Those were the businesses of an emperor and his people. Now I must attend to the business between a father and his daughter."

He looked at Chi-Chi sternly. "What did you think you were doing? I cannot wait to hear your reasons for this one. You know better than to do what you did, but I do not understand. You broke the rules of the court and royal systems, lied to me, ran away, and nearly had yourself killed. Do you deny this?"

The simplicity and serenity in Chi-Chi was evident on her face. "No," she said.

That only made the Ox-King angrier than before. "How can you be so calm about this?!" he asked. "Do you find it all right that you do these things? Perhaps you need a lesson taught to you, and I know exactly what that will be. Look at me."

Chi-Chi's dark and receiving eyes looked into the Ox-King's, and then he spoke.

"I cannot trust you after your disobedience, lies and escapades. The only way I know for certain that you will be in safe hands is if you stay in your bedchamber at all times. You will be there under supervision until further notice. You will leave only to bathe and relieve yourself."

Disgust and surprise replaced the serenity on Chi-Chi's face. "You're going to lock me in my tower, and I can only leave for sanitary reasons?" she repeated, taking in the repugnant news. "Am I a dog that you tie me to my bed?!"

"Silence, girl!" the Ox-King commanded, rising to his feet. "You have no more say in this! I am not finished with you! Your maidservants will attend to you from now on, and I have guards nearby, just in case. Oh, and in case you are wondering…"

The Ox-King snapped his fingers, and two other guards emerged from the side entrance, Goku with them.

"Goku," Chi-Chi whispered, taken by his ill and morose appearance. He was guided to kneel before the Ox-King, who would now give him his sentence.

The Ox-King sighed. "You should have died with the others, Goku. Though they did their evil deeds, we cannot deny the charges against you. However… You were also a noble samurai."

"Were?" Goku questioned weakly.

The Ox-King gave him a flat face. "Did you expect to keep your position after all this? Do not be ridiculous. You should be grateful that you are alive. I will have you as Prince Vegeta's personal servant and attendant."

Goku merely hung his head, ready to accept the new events occurring.

However, Chi-Chi wasn't as laidback as Goku. She felt like releasing the tears she had been holding back, to prevent her tough front from falling apart. I shouldn't be surprised by all of this… But Goku is so sad, and now he's lost his highest position because…of me, she thought dismally.

And so, the judgment had passed…

***

Several days had passed since the Ox-King's sentences came true. He didn't mind the less lively and almost gloomy atmosphere of the palace, because his daughter wasn't around as much. He had no idea of the impact of his sentence toward her.

In the dark depths of her bedchamber, Chi-Chi reclined on her bed, doing one of the few things she could do in the privacy of confinement: cry. The judgment passed onto her was cruel in itself, but the fact that Goku suffered from her judgment was the last straw.

He didn't deserve this! Why did it have to come to this? Though it was unpleasant, Chi-Chi knew she could adapt to confinement in her bedchamber, even though the comforting atmosphere of it would disappear.

Sure, she was being watched carefully even more than before, but it was to be expected after everything she had done. But she had no shame. It was the right thing to do, according to her.

I followed my heart, not my brain, Chi-Chi thought, but then wondered if it was because of her heart that she was where she was…

Even if the answer was yes or no, Chi-Chi knew she had to stand and accept the consequences of following her heart. But having no shame about decisions didn't mean she couldn't cry…

She wasn't sure if she was crying for her own condition or Goku's, or perhaps both. It seemed to lean more toward Goku's condition. In the beginning, he was a slave, then a serf, and then he was brought into the position of a samurai.

But now, he lost that too.

To top it all off, he almost lost his life, became sick, and is now a servant to Vegeta. Speaking of him, Chi-Chi could hear his muffled voice from behind her closed door.

"Come in," she whispered, nearly surprised at her hoarse and crestfallen voice.

It's not as if you couldn't come in, she thought bitterly.

A path of light shone in Chi-Chi's face as the door opened, and she squinted her eyes and didn't look until Vegeta approached her bedside. Chi-Chi shot him an annoyed glance, wiping her forgotten tears off her cheeks.

"What is it?" she asked.

Vegeta sat on the bed next to her, but didn't make eye contact with her. He seemed to be staring ahead in thought for a few moments. He sighed after a moment of silence, and hung his head.

Vegeta then stood up and looked at Chi-Chi. "No more tears, woman. I have word that we will wed in two weeks. The long preparations will finally come to an end, and you and I will finally do what was planned."

He didn't see Chi-Chi hide her slight shock, nor the tensing in her body. He had his back turned as he left. When she knew that Vegeta was gone for sure, Chi-Chi unwrapped her arms from around her knees, as she felt fresh tears come forth.

This wasn't supposed to be happening! This was added to Chi-Chi's current pain. She had nearly forgotten of the wedding because the preparations were taking so long, and because her mind had been occupied with thoughts of Goku.

But now two weeks wasn't so far away…

That had to be the final judgment. The determination in Chi-Chi had already begun to form a plan in her mind. Two weeks would be enough time to disappear… But her heart wasn't in the plan.

Determination is nothing without motivation.

And her motivation was currently out of her bounds…

***

Three more long days passed since then. Everyday seemed long and lonely, not only for Chi-Chi, but for Goku too. Yet, how could it be lonely if Goku was constantly busy and surrounded by people? It just was…

Goku sighed as he headed into the Dining Hall past the kitchen. Vegeta had requested a glass of water, and Goku had no choice but to obey. He hoped he wouldn't mess up on this request.

Lately, he couldn't do the tasks very well because he was distracted with many thoughts, but a lot of them revolved around Chi-Chi. Even right now, he remembered when he had eaten with Chi-Chi in this Dining Hall.

Then they went to the Library and engaged in auspicious activity that left Goku with feelings he could no longer reach out and taste. All he had were memories.

Goku shook his head, trying to snap himself out of it. He grabbed the pitcher of water on the table and poured a glass. He placed the glass on a small tray and carefully strolled back to Vegeta's location.

He really hated being Vegeta's servant. For reasons unknown, Vegeta showed little respect or care for Goku. It was to be expected, Goku guessed. Mostly everyone else hated him too. Facing disrespect and verbal letdowns wasn't exactly the picture Goku had painted in his mind when he heard that being a slave had better conditions than what was in the Slave Headquarters.

Well, those were partially due to the mistakes Goku kept making. But was it really his fault that he seemed to have feelings for Chi-Chi? This dark-haired goddess had cast some sort of spell on him that had him thinking about her a lot.

As if…

As if he were in love with her, he remembered. He remembered Wakaru had mentioned long ago that Chi-Chi was in love with him. Now had he returned this feeling? Maybe he was beginning to…

"Your water, Prince Vegeta," Goku announced as he knelt before Vegeta, holding the tray above his head. He had brought it up slowly, but Vegeta quickly reached down to snatch the cup. But his hand bumped the tray, causing the glass to fall over and send the cold water sloshing down Goku's back.

"Wretch!" Vegeta snapped, and kicked the tray out of Goku's hands, making sure he hit them in the process. "Clean up this mess and bring me a new glass! You clumsy oaf. I've had it with your mistakes. How can you make so many in only four days? Are you showing disloyalty to me? Is that it?"

"N-No, Prince Vegeta," Goku stuttered as the spilled water on him was freezing him. He used his sleeves to wipe up the water, and he glanced up at Vegeta. "I'm sorry."

Vegeta turned away, crossing his arms. "You're always sorry! Leave me at once. Forget I ever asked for a stupid glass of water. I'll get it myself. You can't ask a dog to do a human's task."

A dog… That's something I haven't been called before, Goku thought sarcastically. Then again, Vegeta is treating me like one.

The only good thing left that was in this place was Chi-Chi. The only good thing Goku saw out of this circumstance was that he was in the same palace as Chi-Chi, and for that he was grateful. Even though he knew he couldn't see her, he felt her presence, and that was enough for him.

He still desired her, despite Vegeta's words one day…

~*Flashback*~

Goku had been following Vegeta to his section in the palace where he would stay with the other servants. Vegeta had been talking on and on about the rules, but it all sounded like murmurs to Goku as he paced behind him slowly, thinking about something else.

He stopped suddenly as he looked at his right. He peeked through the side entrance to the throne room, and saw Chi-Chi standing before her father and some other people.

She seemed so calm…

'Why would she be this way after everything? Why would she do that when she almost died with me?' Goku thought. 'She was willing to die with me…'

"Goku?"

Vegeta turned back and rolled his eyes as he saw Goku stare in concentration at Chi-Chi. "Oaf," he grumbled, and walked over to Goku, smacking the back of his head.

He clamped a hand over Goku's mouth before he could yell and recoil in pain. He held him tightly and led him away from the side entrance. Once they were away, Vegeta let go of him and glared at him.

"Stop staring at my fiancée! It's not right to look at another man's woman, don't you know? I don't care how you feel towards Chi-Chi. My marriage to her is my final step to complete authority, and not even a bug like you can stop it."

Before Goku had time to completely register those words in his head, he felt two guards hold his arms. "Come with us," they said. "His Majesty wants a word with you."

So, Goku was taken away from Vegeta, and his current thoughts were those of realization. 'He doesn't love Chi-Chi. He only wants to marry her to rule this place… He doesn't love her at all.'

~*Flashback Ends*~

Goku clenched his fist at those thoughts. It was pretty twisted to take advantage of someone's feelings and the circumstance. Somehow, he knew that he had to reveal Vegeta's true intent. He didn't care if he would possibly be killed. At least Chi-Chi and everyone else would know the truth.

Goku carried the tray back to the kitchen, and then a miracle happened.

"Hey, servant boy," a guard called to Goku. He put a glass of water on his tray and walked away mumbling, "It's about time for the midday meal. Give this water to the princess."

"You mean, I'm allowed?" Goku asked before he could realize it.

The guard shrugged. "You're a servant, and I just gave you an order, so go do it, boy."

Goku had to hide his bright face. He turned away and carefully made his way upstairs. His heart fluttered with forgotten joy. Finally, a chance to see Chi-Chi!

He could see the door to Chi-Chi's bedchamber was ajar, and that she was in his view. He was about to wave to get her attention, but he remembered the tray in his hands.

Luckily, Chi-Chi looked up for a moment, and saw Goku in line behind the other servants who brought her lunch. Her eyes met Goku's for a moment, and the smile Goku had grown to love was on her face. He couldn't help but imitate her infectious smile.

He was looking forward to simply bringing Chi-Chi her water, as their hands would touch for the second she reached out to receive the cup from him.

However, the line of deliverers turned to see what the princess was smiling about. Just when it seemed it was time to advance, the man in front of Goku turned to him and took the glass from him.

"Oh, thank you for bringing it. I've got the pitcher right here," he said. "You can go back and don't worry about a thing. Besides, I'm sure Prince Vegeta isn't the person you'd want to upset, next to the emperor."

The others laughed in agreement, and Goku looked up at Chi-Chi in despair. The smile was replaced with a look of sorrow. Their only chance of brief meeting was shattered.

Curse this! Goku thought angrily. Why does this have to happen?! If I weren't a servant to Vegeta, none of this would have to happen. I'd give anything to get out of here.

He looked up at Chi-Chi again. He couldn't believe everything that she had done in his name. She risked a lot of things just to be with him, even if it was just for a few minutes. She even chose death with him, than to live without him.

That backed up Goku's final theory. Wakaru wasn't lying. She was in love with him, and the day they retreated and expressed affection in secrecy was the day a Saiyan bond was created.

That's why she knew where and when I was in danger, Goku thought. She may not know it, but she bonded with me, and that's how she understood. I wish I could explain it to her. I wonder what other effects the Saiyan bond has on us. All I know is that this was destined… Chi-Chi is mine.

Chi-Chi's still grieving face was painted in Goku's mind, and he had to turn away to suppress the urge to run in and comfort her.

It won't end this way, Chi-Chi. I promise you…

***

The evening sun was beginning to disappear behind the mountains as the people retreated to their homes to eat supper. In the palace, the dinner was already cooked and waiting to be delivered. The royal people would eat first, and then the others in order of rank.

Goku was carrying two large trays with Vegeta's dinner on it. The scent of the food teased Goku, and he ached for a bite of the scrumptious food. However, he knew all he'd be getting was leftovers.

Goku's self-control was tested all the way up two flights of stairs to the fourth turret where Vegeta stayed. He carefully held the two trays in one hand and arm, while he knocked on the door.

Vegeta opened the door, delighted to see that his food had arrived. "Set it on the table over there," he told Goku.

Goku obeyed, and noticed there were several papers lying about on the table, and a map of the world. He blinked curiously, looking at it. "Hey, Vegeta? What are all this things you have here?"

"Hmm?" Vegeta mumbled, his mouth full of turkey. He swallowed it and scowled. "It's none of your business. Now shut your mouth so I can eat."

"I'm only asking you to show me what they are…"

"I do not want to tell you. Close your mouth."

"Please tell me."

"No."

"Please?"

"No!"

Please? Please? Please??"

Vegeta growled and glared at Goku. He wore a puppyish face. He looked like a cute, pleading child that would make his persistent mother give in. Vegeta turned away and resumed eating.

Between bites, he answered, "I'm looking at the kingdom and which areas I'll rule once I'm married to the woman, Chi-Chi. Thank Kami she's around, but the wedding is taking too long."

It was time to say it.

"May I ask you a question, my Prince?" Goku asked cautiously.

Vegeta grumbled a 'yes' between cornbread and more turkey. Goku looked away, thoughtful. "Do you wish the wedding were here faster because you want to be with Chi-Chi, or is it because you just want to be emperor?"

Vegeta stopped eating. He glared up at Goku angrily, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "What I say is none of your business!"

"I don't think you love her, Vegeta."

"PRINCE Vegeta!! And how dare you defy me!"

Goku shrugged slowly. "It's just that I've never seen you and Chi-Chi together or very happy. I don't know if you love her."

"That's not for you to know!" Vegeta yelled. He jumped to his feet and glared at Goku. "And what does a fool like you know about love anyway?!"

He began to throw things at Goku, cursing, but Goku ignored him and caught the objects. "Would you like to take this outside, Prince?"

He knew Vegeta wouldn't say no to a fight.

"All right, you worthless peasant. I hope you're ready to die!"

***

Vegeta was too upset to try to see if Goku had a plan up his sleeves. All he could think of was the disrespect that a servant showed his lord. It was unforgivable. And now he wanted a fight. Hah! Vegeta scoffed. He would sure show him.

Vegeta glared at Goku once they went into the courtyard. He stepped into his fighting stance. This is ridiculous, fighting for that petty woman, Chi-Chi! Damn Son Goku!! He thought.

He concentrated his energy in his hand, forming a ki blast. He aimed it at Goku and scoffed. "Give it up, you fool. Fighting for the girl is pointless and only shows how stupid you are. Now give up!"

He let the ki blast go at Goku, but he slipped into his fighting stance and deflected the blast back at Vegeta, pinning him in the shoulder.

"What?" Vegeta hissed aloud. He was surprised Goku knew how to do that. He knew Goku was a Saiyan, but he acted more human, which made Vegeta wonder how good his fighting skills were.

They were good enough obviously.

"Oh, that's how you want to play," Vegeta said, rubbing his shoulder for a bit, and then sped towards Goku. He released a roundhouse kick to the back of Goku's head, but it went right through him. "Huh?"

Goku had used the Double-After Image to confuse Vegeta, and made a good comeback with twin ki blasts.

The energy was fairly strong, and knocked Vegeta off his feet. The cloud of dust from the ki blasts proved to be a distraction; as soon as the view was clear again, Goku had appeared before Vegeta, unleashing a furious combination of punches and kicks.

Vegeta was successful in blocking a lot of them, and soon let Goku have a taste of pain as well as he displayed his own techniques that were sure to take a person down. He was hardly holding back, and with a mighty knife hand strike to the back of Goku's neck, he sent the younger Saiyan crashing to the ground with more than a few scratches.

Goku quickly retaliated and jumped to his feet, wiping a trail of blood away from his mouth. He brought his hands back to one side of himself as he prepared to unleash the Kamehameha wave.

Vegeta smirked and copied Goku's movements. The only difference was that his initial technique was Galick Gun. Released at the same time, the two energy attacks collided.

After this, Vegeta and Goku engaged in furious hand-to-hand combat. Vegeta kept smirking throughout the whole fight, and his eyes were on Goku. He could tell Goku was growing tired and that it wouldn't be long before he collapsed.

The fool hasn't trained very much since the annual tournament, whereas I have. It's only normal that he doesn't catch up to me, Vegeta thought, and decided he was bored with Goku. He looped around behind him, and concentrated his ki in his elbow.

It glowed whitish-yellow, with blue sparks jumping around it, and when Vegeta was satisfied with his input of ki, he unleashed a vicious elbow strike to Goku's tailbone. He was satisfied to hear the pain laced in Goku's voice as he screamed. He shot a ki blast to Goku's tail before Goku could crash to the ground.

Vegeta stepped onto the ground before a reclining Goku, who gasped for air as he tried to comfort himself of his pain. Vegeta laughed arrogantly. "You still haven't learned, even when the same thing comes to you twice."

Then he crossed his arms and gave Goku a curious look. "You really want the woman, don't you?"

Goku nodded slowly, and Vegeta stomped on his tail hard, causing Goku to writhe and suppress his scream. Vegeta twisted his foot to bury Goku's tail deeper into the ground.

Vegeta glared at Goku. "See if you're really a match for her. That tingly feeling of yours won't stop me from having my bride, so butt out." Then he walked away, leaving Goku to suffer.

Goku hugged himself tightly, curling into a ball. Pain caused his body to throb, and he hissed through clenched teeth. This was more than humiliating! How could he have lost? He had the perfect strategy…

However, Vegeta was a better fighter. It was humiliating to lose the match, but at least Goku got to say what he wanted.

Goku let Vegeta know that he knew he did not love Chi-Chi.

But the last words Vegeta told him…

I don't care what feelings they are, Vegeta, Goku thought. But I can't let you marry her. Chi-Chi doesn't deserve to have her heart broken like that…

To be continued…

Chapter Eleven: Incitation

Gogirl: Yeah, Chi-Chi would do anything for Goku. I actually wasn't thinking of those movies for that part. It was a good point though. I was thinking of giving Goku a traditional Oriental warrior's death, but that wouldn't fit in with the rest of my story. Ox-King's not very happy with Goku or Chi-Chi. LOL. I want to hug Goku too.

Carrie2sky: Thank you. Chi-Chi did come to his rescue instead of the other way around. You might want to keep hoping that G/CC will get together, because now they're in hot water. Vegeta's not very happy either.

Caryl Mc: Heh. I'm glad my story brought out those feelings. You know what they say: You do crazy things when you're in love. Yeah, things are pretty ugly now that Ox-King has the 411. LOL. You are pretty funny. Glad you love my story.

Candy the Duck: No, the villagers understand that Chi-Chi is in love with Goku. They just don't like it. Vegeta was not happy to hear what Chi-Chi did, but with the wedding drawing near, he's somewhat happy.

Lady Kouga: Yes. Things are at an even greater disadvantage now.

Noname: Now you know. Goku didn't win this fight, but remember that he hadn't trained much, and he couldn't since he was a slave and he had to avoid people when they found out he was part animal. Vegeta had trained and learned from his last fight with Goku, so he won. But this is a part of my plan…

Lady Thundera: Yep. Love is going to cost you somewhat. Vegeta's not happy to hear of the news. LOL. Your paddle? I'd love to see you give Vegeta a spanking. LOL. I think everyone wants to kill Koto and his boys. All hail G/CC!

Lady Athena X: LOL. Death by the crowbar. Ox-King and Chi-Chi showed up, but things don't look to be much better, do they? Don't kill me. Well, Koto and the other losers got what they deserved. Thanks.

Moon girl 16: G/CC are the best. Yeah, Koto dared and threw the torch. But he's dead now. Heh, I can hear you G/CC fans whining about how Ox-King got to kill him and not you guys. Thanks.