I do not own DB, DBZ, DBGT or DBS all rights to the companies that own them and Akira Toriyama.

Year 774, November 1st

In a week after the last exam they were holding the tournament. It had been dubbed the Tournament of the Heart. They had even gotten to use the old battle Island that was abandoned after the 'Earthquake' during the intergalactic tournament. Thanks to Mr Satan's involvement he even got Mr. X.S. Cash to pay for the repairs to the floating arenas. They weren't going to use all the Island just the stages that held the preliminaries last time. He still held much influence in the Martial arts world and though he wasn't slandering Ki or Ki users anymore he was still very showy when he made appearances. Gohan even thought to ask him to be one of the officiates of the tournament. He had really quietened down after Gohan's WMAT win but he was still respected, as Gohan never once let slip the truth of what happened with Cell. Mr Satan just kept on the schtick that he was 'getting too old' to continue to fight and wanted to give his daughter and the Princess the mantel of 'protectors' trusting them wholly to keep protecting the Earth with him coaching them on the sides of course.

Since the 8 stages from the intergalactic tournament were intact they decided to have the winner from each stage go through to the finals where it would be a one on one battle with Gohan and the first to beat her won the right to court her. After almost 200 people signed up it was decided it would be a 2-day event the first would be finding the top 8 then the next day would be the fights against Gohan. If no one beat her then all talk and offers of marriage from anyone would cease and Gohan would hopefully find someone in her own time.

Gohan and her friends all got the V.I.P. seating that had X.S. Cash and his family sitting in originally. She felt relieved that all her friends including the Z – Fighters along with Bulma and the boys would come to watch both days. Vegeta hadn't said either way if he would come to watch but Gohan wasn't too worried. Videl was going to be one of the officiates for one of the stages along with Mr Satan and Krillin. There were 5 other officiates that Mr Satan chose one for each stage to make sure the winner of each round did so properly.

Gohan was kind of excited at the prospect of these people fighting to gain her affection. It was very unlike her to feel that way, but she couldn't deny the feeling of her blood heating up at the idea.

Once all the 192 participants were sectioned off and paired up the first round began. Most of the first few fights were pretty dismal. She had opened the tournament up to the public for free so there were quiet a few spectators for the first day. She tried to watch all the fights going on together but thinks she missed a few, no fight was able to go longer than 10 minutes. As there wasn't much announcing going on until they got to the top 4 for each stage Gohan just sat back and watched it as a whole not paying attention to any one stage.

By Early afternoon they were down to the top 4. Each fighter from then on would have their name known to the crowds. Off on a stage that had an officiate Gohan didn't know came a name she wasn't expecting "Vegeta advances to the finals for stage 8."

'Why would Vegeta enter? He made it clear he didn't care for us. I mean he had been trying to prove he can be a good guy and kind father but he hasn't made any notion of affection to me over the year.' Gohan was pulled from her musings as they announced the top 8 'finalists' who would fight in the order of the stage they fought on were:

1. King Chappa's grandson – Lord Eldric

2. Max Proctor – the jock from school

3. The Bedazzled fighter Jewel – from the WMAT tournament Gohan entered.

4. Mercenary Tao

5. Yuzzino – Son of the Prime Minister of Yunzebitto Heights

6. Daria – A Senior at the University in East Capitol

7. Gorin – A fighter at Mr Satan's Gym

8. Vegeta.

As the crowds cheered Gohan assessed the contestants. She knew she could beat them all, Vegeta would be the only one that will give her a fight. Of that she was sure of. The announcer whom was the usual announcer of the WMAT that Gohan had saked personally to call the matches called an end to the day and offered the 'finalists' a stay at the on the Island's Hotel. Gohan as well as all her 'guests' aka friends were also staying there. A gift from King Furry hiring half the Hotel out for the night so that Gohan and her friends would have enough room. As well as the finalists. King Furry and her Grandpa promised to show up for the second day. King Furry wanted to come for both days but Gohan had noticed the cough he had was getting worse and wouldn't let him.

The next day came quicker then Gohan thought. As she got up and did her stretches she pushed the button on her watch and her PJ's changed to her Saiyan outfit Shin made for her. Pulling her hair back into a ponytail she exited her room with her friends following behind and headed to Breakfast. While she was eating most of the finalists came up trying to talk to her. Gohan smiled politely and only told them 'good luck' before going back to her breakfast. Krillin had some Sensu beans on him in case they were needed for between fights as Gohan would be given 5 minutes between fights if needed. She highly doubted it but thought the gesture was sweet.

Making her way to the centre stage for the first fight she was astounded by the cheers that came from the packed audience. Not realising her 'tournament' would get so many people to it Gohan dumb-foundly waved as the crowds continued to cheer her on. It was safe to say she was loved by the people. She waited in the centre for the first contestant to arrive.

"Welcome Folks! To a very special event! After the thrilling matches to see the 8 finalists yesterday we are onto the main event! Her Royal Highness Princess Gohan of the Combined Kingdoms and Ox – Kingdom will battle one suitor after the other. The first to beat her wins the right to court her! Standard tournament rules apply, no killing, no hits below the waist, as well as some added rules, no Ki manipulation and no time limit on fights! Can we get the first Suitor to the stage!" The Announcer yelled pumping the crowd up.

As Eldric came out to the centre stage making a show for the crowd. "Just so you know I've made reservations at Le Suire for tonight. You know for our first date." Winking at Gohan before getting into a pretty sloppy stance. Gohan indulged him by getting into her own flawless stance waiting for the Announcer to start the fight.

She didn't want to drag the fights out but the idea of these 'men' wanting to fight for her attention did get her excited so the idea to play with them a little before casting them out jumped into her mind. When Eldric attacked Gohan didn't even have to try to dodge it. She actually wondered how he had made it through the preliminaries with such bad fighting skill. Getting bored of his 'attempts' after one-minute Gohan made quick work with 2 love taps to his midsection making him curl over falling unconscious.

"Wow that was a quick fight! Princess Gohan spared no mercy knocking her first suitor unconscious within the minute. We will have a quick reprieve before starting the next round!"

Gohan merely walked over to the area assigned for her and picked up her water bottle. Waiting at ring side was Goten, Trunks and Videl while the rest were up in the V.I.P. box.

"He was such a weakling mummy why did you go so easy on him?"

"Well, the idea is to give the people a show. Not just for me to find a suitor."

"There's a guy going around in the stands making bets. Eldric was a 25-1 chance for win. Most of the fighters are 25-1, I think he had that Mercenary Tao as 10-1 and Vegeta as 100-1. Just based off their history as fighters and reputations." Videl added.

Gohan looked to Trunks and Goten whom were conversing in the secretive way she could guess they were thinking of betting on Vegeta and getting a big payout, when they excused themselves just before the next round Gohan tried to stop them but Videl let them go, while handing them a 10 Zeni note. Both girls knew what they were going to do and wanted to see how much they would bet. Gohan even thought about throwing the match with Vegeta as she wouldn't mind the chance to date him exclusively. They had been on their way to that before the WMAT and he had tried to show he was sorry and is not that person anymore but another part of Gohan revolted at the thought of throwing a match with a potential mate. If he was worthy he would be able to beat her fairly.

The next match against her school pal Max was as quick as the first match. Knocking him out with a swift kick to the kidney was more satisfying then the other guy. Gohan reasoned with herself that it was because he annoyed her constantly when in school and could finally shut him up.

The 3rd match was between the fighter whom lost to Yamu in the WMAT, Gohan went easier on him giving him a slight impression that he was winning before trampling his ego and kicking him out of the ring. She went easier on Jewel mostly for the fact he was respectful before coming out, as well as her not having a history of him annoying her but he still wasn't even a slight match for her so she didn't play for too long.

"Well folks looks like the Princess is kicking butt! She is 3 suitors down and doesn't even look exhausted. Will our next fighter Mercenary Tao give our Princess the challenge she craves?!" Trying to make the day go longer as any good reporter would he asked the suitor some questions before the match. "Well Tao, what made you enter?"

"I wanted to meet the daughter of the exalted Goku. Possibly maim her. I'm not interested in dating her so don't worry about that."

"Wow thanks for clarifying that you definitely are older then I would normally go for. Not sure I'd like to date someone who was mostly robotics and as old as my Grandfather. But I have to say if your as weak as you were back when you fought my father and he beat you easily then you will most likely bore me." Gohan smirked at him.

Tao tried to fight dirty by pulling a knife on her from removing his hand and when she snapped that off effortlessly, charging an energy beam from removing his other. Even though he had broken the rules Gohan couldn't care less. But since he was now annoying her she made quick work of him and knocked him out after playing with his ego by making it seem like the beam had any effect on her, when in reality it didn't even mark her armour.

"Wow, some people will sink so low when in an honourable hand to hand fight. Needless to say folks Mercenary Tao was disqualified the second he pulled the knife but our Princess still made short work of him. The next fighter is from the far north region of Yunzebitto Heights, the son of the Prime Minister whom has made his name over the years as an extinguished fighter in the smaller martial arts rounds. Let's see if he can give our Princess a decent fight!"

Yuzino came out and was the first challenger to bow before Gohan. This did earn a point in Gohan's mind as she bows back and sunk into her stance. As she watched him lower into his own she assessed him. He was higher than average for a human maybe a bit below Videl's energy, but she had yet to see his technique.

Gohan let him attack first, she had to admit she was impressed with his skill. It was quite advanced almost like when she would spar with Videl at first. It wasn't enough to get her blood pumping, but she could admit he had her respect as a human. She let the fight go on for 5 minutes only blocking, he was running out of steam quickly which showed her he may have skill but not enough stamina to keep it going, once his attacks started to get sloppy Gohan ended the fight with punch to his liver and knocking him out cold.

Her next two fighters didn't offer up much of a challenge. They were nobody's in the fighting or political world and like Eldric, she wondered how they made it through the Preliminaries with such poor fighting skill. That or she was being too tough on them. Either way this tournament was becoming boring.

She was actually looking forward to the fight with Vegeta. If for no other reason, it had been months since she had a fight that could challenge her like he used to and the thought of it got her blood pumping.

As the announcer called the last suitor to the stage he stopped Vegeta on his way hoping to ask some questions and make the day go longer thinking Gohan would beat him within minutes as well and not wanting the day to end without a good match. An entertainer to the end, even if the event was free.

"So Mr Vegeta. You haven't given the officiates your last name, but we have seen you at the previous WMAT. It was quiet impressive how far you made it through. Beating all the odds. Tell me why you entered the tournament for the Princess's hand?"

Gohan saw the physical restraint he took to not growl or hit the announcer and couldn't help but smile. This was hard for him she could tell it took a lot for him to not ignore the question and contemplated what to answer.

"Not that masses need to know why I wish to challenge Gohan. Now I've been given the chance to fight her once more. I hurt her and spent the last few months trying to make up for it as well as to test myself. Satisfied?" Vegeta grumbled. He stood tall even if he was on the shorter side then most men. Gohan watched the way he held himself. Yes many would see it as prideful or arrogant but Gohan knew it came from years of grooming for a position stolen from him then years following a tyrant. He was caring but it wasn't the Saiyan way to show it. Yet for years he had been showing her that side. Recently he had been showing Goten and Trunks. She wanted him, he had made a mistake he had paid the price with his life and Gohan had scorned him for ages after from her own pain thinking she wasn't good enough and that he wanted more away from her.

"Well Folks there you have it! This is our last fight of the day. Let's see if this Vegeta is any match for our Princess! Let the fight begin."

Gohan and Vegeta sank into their stances and watched each other before a small smile crept onto Gohan's face, she really had missed this. Attacking first she tested the waters seeing if his technique had changed at all. After 5 minutes of a medium paced 'warm-up' Vegeta stepped it up and went on the offensive. The fight kept escalating after each minute that passed. They got to the 30-minute mark and were on the verge of Super Saiyan each. They didn't transform as it was in the ruled no Ki and base form only but pushing themselves in their base gave Gohan a thrill. He really was her equal on this planet. Even if the courting didn't go further then the title of right to court, she would be okay with it if they would continue to spar like they are now.

They matched each other blow for blow. Those that could see what was happening would see it as a dance between the two. It was like they were in perfect sync with each other waltzing in battle. After an hour of fighting they separated. Both had drawn blood on the other and were slightly winded. Something in Gohan didn't want this to end but at the same time she couldn't just let Vegeta win. He was definitely proving himself as an equal that gained her respect. She had always seen him as an equal, but this was a battle to find a mate and Vegeta was fighting his way into her heart by giving her this challenge.

After the short few second break they both charged at each other again this time Vegeta spoke to her during it. "It wasn't till I no longer had it that I missed fighting with you."

Gohan smiled she had slipped up when he spoke as it did not match the tone of the battle they had going on, when she faltered he knocked her back to the edge of the ring. Gohan couldn't help but smile wide. Clever tactic. "Me too my Prince." Gohan's tone took on a flirtatious teasing her soul was loving this battle. A battle of strength but no matter which one came out victorious they would respect the other.

"To have one so young surpass me at first vexed me. I tried to figure out why. Your father may have been the reason I came back to Earth all those years ago but over time I didn't realise it was you who held me here for so long. You were a mystery to me I wanted to see how you would evolve. I was blinded when your father came back and forgot all that. Today I prove to you, you are the only one I want to have as my rival in life." Vegeta was on the offensive the entire time he was talking.

"Do you Promise?" Gohan asked back while flipping the fight into her favour by pinning him to the ground.

Vegeta stopped struggling for a few seconds before answering. "Yes, for the rest of my life I will fight with you. Grow with you. Together."

Gohan's heart soared if that wasn't a declaration of love she didn't know what was. Her heart was full but in her lapse Vegeta managed to flip her, so she was on the bottom. It became a grappling match but there was no real fight left to break away from it. They just continued to stare into each other eyes eventually the fight left her. In her haze she almost missed the announcer calling the fight stating she had lost due to the count of 10. When she finally broke the staring contest she saw the crowds erupting in cheer.

"I guess you win the right to court me." Vegeta didn't let go of Gohan, he just smirked at her before leaning down grabbing her face and kissing her in front of the crowds Gohan's arms wound their way up to his neck and held him to her.

Pulling away for air he declared. "I don't plan to court you I plan to mate with you. Bond with you."

"That won't be an easy battle Prince. You only won the right to attempt to woo me. I haven't said yet whether I want to mate with you." Gohan teased back.

Vegeta stood up and pulled Gohan up with him. "You will. I'll woo the pants off you." Dropping to a whisper and leaning into her ear, "literally."

Their little private moment was broken up by a black and purple blur coming and tackling them both. In perfect unison, "wow mummy/dad, that was an amazing fight. We want to see you go all out with super Saiyan and all."

"Yes that would be fun. I'd like to learn that form you learnt to defeat Buu."

"Well I guess I could attempt to teach you. It would first come with learning to perfect your ape form. But for that we would have to wait to use the Dragon balls and wish back the moon."

"Easy alternative. We can go off world for a bit to a planet that has a moon and learn it. Like a holiday as you Earthling call it."

Gohan couldn't answer as the Announcer came up and started talking to them. With Videl not far behind them and handed them a sensu bean each. "So Princess Gohan, you were beaten. How do you feel?"

"Honestly quiet good. I have known Vegeta for a long time. Though I was surprised he managed to beat me." Vegeta's tail unwrapped his tail and coaxed Gohan's away from her waist.

What ever the Announcer was going to say got caught in his throat as he watched the tails interact. "Wow. The winner Vegeta has a tail just like you. I remember your father had one as well."

"Is it so weird? We have a lot of animal/humanoid people on this planet. Our king is one. I have mentioned my father was sent to Earth before. But my mother was born here."

"That would make you, Vegeta one of the same species as Goku? Or are you Earthling born as well?"

"I am the last pure blooded Saiyan left. The prince of all Saiyan's."

"Well there you go folks." At some of the crowds whispers Gohan decided to speak up.

"It wasn't that long ago when the Kingdoms were divided that Prince's and Princess' from rivaling countries would marry other Royals to keep alliances and strengthen the countries. Vegeta's Planet no longer exists but this scenario is no different. Besides I never said I would marry him. Just date him." The crowd seemed placated.

"That is true. The things I've seen your family do over the years for this planet it doesn't surprise me. Princess Gohan the Protector of Earth and out Future Queen! Let's hear it for the winner!" The crowds cheered like sheep. "There you have it folks the tournament for the Princess' hand has come to a close with the winner Vegeta!"

Off to the side Gohan caught Goten, Trunks and Videl talking.

"How much money do you think we made? We bet the same as you did Videl." Goten asked.

"Well if that's the case, at 100-1 then we should all get back 10000 Zeni."

"Wow thats a lot isn't it? Think of all the toys we can get Trunks!"

Even Vegeta smiled at Goten's statement.

TBC...