Misconstrued

Summary: Her world had turned upside down since the day Vega, Princess of all Saiyans finally up rose against Frieza and escaped to Earth. Though now her child is six years old, growing stronger day by day, she wonders if she'll ever be able to defeat the evil tyrant. Unbeknownst to her Nappa has betrayed her and the Saiyan race to save his own life and now makes his way to lure the Saiyan Princess out into the open for Frieza to grab hold once again.

Chapter 36: Post Proposal

Bulma paced the floor up and down grunting and making frustrated noises. d. "No… The man you've been pining for, for years ask you to marry him and you stupidly said NO?! Ugh what is the matter with that thick head of yours?"

Vega grunted as she down a bottle of water, sweat dripping down her face and chest from her long work out. "As far as I'm concerned we're already married by Saiyan ritual so why should we have to go through the Earth rituals."

"I'll tell you why you should. You love him, Vega. You should be more than willing to do whatever he wants because you're head over heels, tail knotted, heart thumping out of your chest in love with him!"

"Just because I love the clown, doesn't mean I want to look like one with him. I'm a Saiyan Princess, I will not subjugate myself to wearing froo froo and carrying flora down a long stretch of white carpeting." Vega tossed the bottle over her shoulder making it land right into the trashcan. "Besides, Kakarott says he's fine with it."

"Did he now?" Bulma tapped her finger on her arm. "Maybe that's because he loves you more than you love him."

"What?" Vega's vein throbbed in her temple at the insult. "How dare you insinuate that Kakarott does anything more or better than me?"

"Let me tell you a little secret here, Vega." Bulma, now knowing she had her hooked, leaned in and whispered. "When Goku came to me asking for advice, he said… and I quote:"

~Flashback~

Goku sat at the table staring at the ring with a pout. "I'm not sure if she'll go for it, Bulma. She's not really into Earth rituals or habits."

"Oh don't be silly, Goku. Every woman whether human or alien, dreams of her wedding day."

"You don't get it. As far as she's concerned we already got married when we mated in the time chamber." Goku sighed and closed the box holding it tight. "She doesn't understand that we're not just Saiyans anymore. We're Earthlings. I want us to bind ourselves together every way possible so I know, without a doubt that she's mine. I don't want to make any mistakes and I don't want there to be any way out of it. I don't know what I would do at this point if I lost her."

~End of Flashback~

Bulma watched as Vega's eyes drifted off the stunned and flushed look on her face making the bells of victory go off in her head. "What do you say you give the guy a break, and give him a little peace of mind huh?"

~Goku's House~

Not much had changed. Things were dusty and full of cobwebs but everything had been left as it was with its traditional designs, and mismatch of various decor and trinkets. He, Gohan, and Xena had spent all day cleaning it out and rearranging some things, removing broken furniture, and replacing it with new stuff Bulma had been more than gracious to buy for them.

It already felt like home, and all that was missing was his mate. Goku hefted baby Tarble up into his high chair poking his cheeks. "Don't worry, son, we'll get to your mom… one day." Goku grinned and glanced over at the two older kids. "Gohan, why don't the two of you watch Tarble for me while I go catch us some dinner."

"Okay, Dad!" Gohan laughed and ransacked through the baby bag for some food and he opened it up. "Here you go, Tarble, lunch time for you, GAH!" Gohan closed his eyes as Tarble's stray hand knocked the baby food right into his face. "Bleh!"

Xena laughed and pointed holding her ribs with her free hand. "Nice one, little bro! Hahahaha!"

"Yeah yeah, very funny…" Gohan wiped his face with a spare rag then flicked some food onto Xena with a laugh of his own.

Goku chuckled heading out the door and towards the lake. He took his time, for his standards anyway, admiring the wood as he took the old path he used to make when gathering food for himself and doing chores.

"ah Grandpa, it feels good to come back and visit. Wish you were here to revel in it with me."

He removed his jacket, making a noise when something fell out of the pocket and he quickly knelt down and picked up the engagement ring box. He flipped the lid open staring at the pretty shine of it. "Oh well, it was a nice thought. Maybe sometime in the future I'll be able to talk her into wearing it… at least as a symbol."

He set the ring inside the pocket again and went to remove his shirt. He heard the sound of feet touching down from the air, and his senses picked up Vega's signal and he scrambles a bit to get the shirt off and see her face. "Vega! Hey you finally made it up here. How'd your training go?"

"Slowly, listen to me Kakarott, I'm not what you would call an easy woman." She crossed her arms. "You know that I'm stuck in my ways and I like to keep what little memory I have of my people alive."

"Yes, I know Vega." He tossed the shirt aside and walked to her holding her shoulders. "You're a proud Princess of the Elite Saiyan race. It's who you are, and I wouldn't change that for the world."

"And you are a Saiyan clown turned Earthling by a series of unfortunate events, you're also soft hearted, and soft minded and some of the things you do drive me insane…" she saw the wincing frown on his lips. "I wouldn't change that for the world either."

The smile returned, but then changed to a look of bemusement when she held out her hand as if expecting him to hand her something. "What is it?"

"Well you're not expecting me to put it on myself are you? What sort of half assed proposal is that? You ask me to marry you, and just because i took my time accepting you're gonna make me fetch my own ring? How uncouth!"

"Wha… you mean…" Goku's face lit up. "You mean you'll do it?"

"On one condition Kakarott." She held a finger. "We spend the next few days doing what needs to be done, then you'll let me return to the time chamber to finish my training."

"You really want to go back in?" At her nod Goku gave a sigh. "Alright, I know I can't stop you. However I know how much it means to you to be sure that we can beat him. So okay... "

"I'm not sure how I'll fare alone… Consider it a test of our bond."

"Alright," Goku reached into his jacket pocket again and he slid the ring out and onto her finger. "Thank you, Vega. You don't know how much this means to me."

"Maybe not…" She lay the ringed hand over his heart her eyes sparkling with love and humor. "but I can venture a pretty good guess."

~7 Days til the Cell Games~

It was Gohan's birthday, and Vega allowed Goku to go see Chichi so the three of them plus the group could celebrate. In the meantime Bulma had her dragging all over a deserted West City trying to find a dress shop.

"Ugh, why'd I let you talk me into this, woman? I hate shopping."

"So you keep saying over and over… ah there… look that one is open." Bulma walked into the big dress boutique, the cashier at the front sitting and looking bored behind the counter. "Excuse me…"

The woman looked up, blinked, and gasped closing the book. "Oh my, are you customers?"

"Yes, we're here looking for some dresses. My friend here is getting married in a few days and we need something that already fits, and is fit for a queen."

"Princess," Vega corrected. "I haven't been coronated as such."

"Oh how wonderful! You're spending these last few days on Earth getting married to the man you love! Oh I knew this would happen. I stayed open just for this moment! The entire shop is yours to look around. Try on anything that you like!" The flamboyant red head squealed with delight and practically danced around the shop offering up suggestions and taking orders.

Vega sniffed at the suggestions, eying the materials and frill with a grunt. "Bah, Bulma is there nothing here that's not all big… what's this material called?"

"Tulle, and you're right, I don't think the elaborate Princess gown is your style. You need something sleeker… more fitted."

"Oh i've got just the thing!" The shoppe owner disappears in the back a moment and returns with a gown. Vega eyed it and reached out touching the silky material.

"Better… I'd be far more comfortable in this." She liked the silk and shine it had, the white almost glowed and she couldn't help but let her lips twitch. "Very well I'll try it on."

"It's a bit simple," Bulma said helping her slip it on. "Beautiful, but simple."

"That's alright, all you need is the right accessories. You mentioned something about princess? Well what's a princess without a tiara?" The redhead smiled and held out a diamond tiara which she placed into her hair after stuffing pins into it to pull it back into a thick bun. She then added gloves and a faux diamond necklace that sparkled on the low scoop neck. "There we are… picture perfect royalty! You look fabulous Miss Vega. Your future husband is gonna be dazzled."

Vega stared long and hard at herself in the mirror. She remained silent but Bulma caught a look in her eyes that startled her. A sort of grieving she hadn't seen in years. "Vega? What's wrong."

"Nothing… it's perfect. I…" she just didn't realize how much she looked like her mother. Memories swamped of a woman she had barely thought about in years and threatened tears to spill. Images of the woman who had cradled her, fed her, and secretly indulged in dressing her as a princess after a full day of training. For so many years in her youth Vega had dressed as a man, hid her true identity from the world, from everyone. She had grown accustomed to looking, sounding, and feeling like a man that when she started becoming a woman on Earth again she hadn't realized how much she truly wanted to be recognized as such. Kakarott had, she knew, Kakarott had always treated her a woman, and loved her all the same. She quickly straightened herself out placing her hands on her hips. "I'll take it. All of it!"

~Mt Paos~

It had been so long since he'd thought of it. Goku stared long and hard at the old apple tree that had been like an old friend to him for years feeding him the most delicious apples he'd ever tasted. There was a large hole in the tree, and watching Gohan's amazing speed as he collected apples had all the memories of his childhood rushing back to him. That walk in the woods with his son and Chichi, accidentally letting go of the carriage, chasing down Gohan as he went tumbling down the hill, then becoming stupefied when the boy blasted his way right through the tree all on his own.

He'd had such potential as a youngster, and had always wanted to train his son, but Chichi had forbidden it back then. He knew the kid snuck off with Xena and Piccolo time to time and taught him just enough to keep him in firm Saiyan shape. Goku now saw that he wished he'd taken a bigger part in that.

"Hey Gohan… after the party tonight I'd like to have a quick sparring session if that's alright with you? Before I leave."

"Wow really?" Gohan paused holding the apples close to his chest. "You want to spar with ME daddy?"

"Sure, I wanna see for myself just how powerful you've really become. We haven't sparred together since we started training for the androids." Goku smiled and put his hands on his hips. "Vega and Xena said they'd pop in for the party so we'll all have a quick session before calling it a night. Your mom may not like it, but…"

"That's okay dad, really I don't mind the lecture if it means we can have a one on one! This is awesome! I can't wait!" Gohan laughed and jogged off towards the house. Krillin watched him leave, and then looked up to Goku.

"You guys sure are strange. A normal divorced family would be all tense and angry but you all seem to be getting along pretty well despite it."

"I think there is some tension still, but I don't think Chichi or I are letting it get to us. We don't want Gohan to feel divided so we're doing our best." He placed a hand on Krillen's shoulder. "Hey, speaking of which you're gonna be my best man, right?"

"Huh? Oh you mean for you and Vega? Sure I'd be insulted if you asked anyone else. Still do you think this is right getting married so soon after?"

"I think it's been a long time coming, actually. Neither Vega or I want to wait, we want to get it done and enjoy it." Goku pat his shoulder. "Let's not talk about that today though… we have to get back before Chichi has a cow."

"Why do I have to wear a dress too? I'm not the one getting married, you are." Xena complained as they landed just outside the house.

"If I have to play dress up, so do you, and I expect you to do your part without arguments. You don't hear Kakarott's spawn complaining, do you?" Vega countered, and bounced Tarble as he grumbled in her arms. "Don't worry I didn't mean you, Tarble."

"That's because he actually likes the idea. It's weirding me out some that he's so cool about it even though his parents are divorced. It's even weirder that kakarott is so calm about Cell."

"He may be outwardly calm, Xena, but believe me Kakarott is worried right down to the bone. His priorities are different though, so let's not upset anyone and cause a fuss by bringing him up. We're here to give Gohan his gift, eat cake, and then get the heck out of here. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Xena grumbled and sighed as Vega raised a hand to knock. The door opened and Chichi narrowed her eyes at the two of them. "Chichi."

"Vega… you're a little early."

"Want me to leave and come back?"

"No, that's alright. I've just finished. The boys haven't returned from fishing yet so you'll have to sit tight." Chichi backed up and let them in. The three women stood alone in the house, tarble babbling as he's set down to play and crawl around.

Vega made herself at home sitting on a chair and crossing her arms and legs. Xena set the gift on the table with the rest of the presents and then admired the table with a sniff. "Everything smells good," Xena complimented.

"Why thank you, Xena. If you'd like you can have a little snack to hold you over." Chichi offered her a plate of Vegetables. "Would YOU like anything, Vega?"

"No, I can wait." Vega watched with a motherly eye as her son used a coffee table to stand himself up on wobbly legs. Her smirk slowly crept on her lips and she closed her eyes relaxing now.

Chichi felt tension growing in her spine and she held back a sigh of relief as the men piled in with fish and fruit. The party went full swing, everybody eying hot food and the cake Chichi brought out with Gohan's face right in the center, Super Saiyan even. "Wow mom, that cake looks great!"

"Yeah you've outdone yourself, Chichi." Goku complimented, but squeezed Vega's hand to keep the balance. "Let's dig in!"

"Hold on! First thing's first! Gohan make a wish and blow out your candles." Chichi said smiling at her son. Gohan smiled big and took a deep breath looking at his friends and family. I wish for the power to beat Cell and to protect those I love.

With flourish Gohan released a breath, not only putting out the candles but blowing the entire cake all over his party guests. Gohan blinked and blushed looking at the icing covered faces. "Oops, I'm sorry!"

"Mmmm!" Goku opened his eyes nibblnig on the pieces of cake he got in his mouth. "This is delicious," he said a litle muffled. "Where's your piece Gohan?"

"If I'm not mistaken," Vega interjected pulling the glob of cake out of her hair. "I've got it right here." Xena giggled at her mother's comment and offered Gohan some cake by wiping it from her cheek and spreading it on him. Laughter spread.

The tension that the women felt before eased away as they spent time together as a group. Smiles and laughter were spread all around as gifts were open, food was devoured, and pictures taken.

Once the party was done Ox King and Krillin stayed behind to help clean as Goku, vega, and their kids all headed outside for their brief training session. Vega sat on the grass with Tarble on her lap and looked on as Father and Son stood across from each other both in training gear. Gohan wore the saiyan suit Bulma had made for him, and Goku was back in his traditional blue and orange gi.

Power sparked and eyes narrowed at each other. After Gohan's display Goku was not about to give any leeway. The ground vibrated beneath their feet and Vega's skin tingled with goosebumps as she sensed the spark between them harsh and a little intimidating… "What the devil… gah!" She gasped when the light from them flashing together nearly blinded her. She held up an arm shielding herself and Tarble from the blast of it. Xena stood beside her unflinching and stoic. Why was the girl so calm? What was going on? Where had all this power come from?

The spar was quick and ruthless, father and son exchanging blows right and left fiercely like brutal enemies. Vega had to break it up when tarble began to cry and shake against her and she screamed at them to stop. As fast as the power had come it soon died. Goku looked to Vega blinking and rubbing at a bruise on his cheek.

"What's the matter Vega… you look pale. Are you alright?" He floated over to her taking her shoulders. "Do you want me to take you home?"

"no… No i don't want you to take me home… grrr… " She pushed Tarble into his arms. "I have to go. I don't have anymore time to lose! I'm not wasting anymore time playing your games!"

"Mom? Mom what's…" Xena didn't another word out as Vega rushed off and took to the skies. Though it was dark when she reached the tower Vega panted and looked to Piccolo and Popo who stood side by side watching her as she approached.

"Oh, Miss Vega we weren't expecting you back." Popo greeted her and jolted when she turned her harsh nearly crazed eyes onto him.

"Is there anyone in the chamber…" when she didn't get a response she snarled and powered up further. "IS THERE?"

"Oh.. uh no, Piccolo has finished his time and we were waiting the arrival of Zee and Tarble." Popo tried to explain and follow after Vega as she stomped through the tower to the room. She opened the door with a heavy swing and slammed it shut behind her. Popo held out a hand in shock. "She's gone back in?"

"Leave her be, Mr. Popo, she probably has her reasons." Piccolo explained but too was a bit puzzled. He thought she was staying out with Goku, but it seemed something had gotten under the Princess' skin.

~Inside the chamber~

Vega had stripped out of her party clothes. She didn't care, she'd train butt naked if she had to. Her fists flew her brow sweat and she brutally went through heavy explosive drills exerting energy trying to process what she had just seen.

"How? How damn it? I was with him the whole time how did he surpass me? Better yet his son!" She cupped her hands firing off blast after blast into the distance. "What sort of ridiculous fireshow was that? Where had it come from? I don't understand it! Bah was he secretly training without me? No… no he couldn't have, I would know…" She held her mark panting and going to her knees her crazed eyes staring at the floor as it began to chill and turn icy. The madness inside her brain beginning to take form.

"The Bond… it… it must be the bond. It has to be. It's made him more powerful somehow. That's why he's been so calm.. why he's want to go through all these motions. Yes that HAS to be it." Relieved a bit and now spent she lay on the floor of the room letting the cold wash over the heat in her face and she watched the empty sky.

"I lost my dignity just now… I must be more cautious in the future." She lay an arm over her eyes sighing slowly. "Might as well stay now that I'm in here… Kakarott won't be happy with me, but..."

It was better this way… it had to be.

Anyone else feel like they're riding a roller coaster? They're up they're down they're happy they're sad. That's the beauty of drama!

Next Chapter: Sixteen Awakens / Bond Strengthens