Tests of Love
Test Two
By Maria Cline
The sun rose as Goku yawned and opened his eyes. "It's not a dream." Goku realized as he shifted in his bonds. He grabbed his sheet by the teeth and pulled it off. Then, he rolled off his bed and ended up landing on his face. "Ouch." Goku moaned as he flipped onto his back and started doing situps. It was a ritual for him to start off the day doing some sort of exercise. Since he couldn't do pushups or jumping jacks, he would have to just do situps. He always had to train. He couldn't stand doing nothing but lie around.
China came in the door with a bowl and jug on a tray. Like before, they both had straws in them.
Goku sat up and looked up. "Hey, Princess China."
China nodded and held up the tray. She sat it down on the dresser and helped Goku up to the bed. She placed the tray on his lap and held the bowl up to his lips. Goku drank up the soup in a gulp. The delicious soup tasted the same as before, rich and flavorable through his body. "Thank you." He said as he leaned over to drink the water. After the water, he sighed in relief. "So, when's the next test?"
China pointed to the door and then tapped on her wrist. "Now?" Goku guessed.
China nodded and pointed to the door again.
"Okay." Goku hopped to his feet and followed the woman. He didn't know why but for some reason, he had been able to understand her movements and feelings. He didn't know her face or her voice but he had a good feeling he knew her before.
After a long hallway and going down a few stairs, Goku and China reached the throne room. China went up the stairs and sat beside Queen Mozerella.
"Goku, are you prepared for your next test?" Mozerella asked.
"Of course." Goku excitedly said as he hopped a little in place. He wanted to get the tests over with and get his wife back.
"Now, this test will be different from the one you did yesterday. For one thing, you will be allowed to walk but you couldn't talk."
"Sounds fair." **At least I will be able to walk instead of hopping around.** Goku thought as he nodded.
"Good. Chedda, prepare Goku for the second test." Mozerella ordered.
Chedda bowed, grabbed Goku, slung him over her shoulder, and carried him off to the side.
After a few minutes, Goku stood there confused. His legs were freed and he could now walk but his mouth was covered in the same mysterious ribbon. On his chest was a huge wicket baskets. Goku stretched a little and looked up at the queen and princess.
"Now, Chedda, Parmesan, Swiss, and Velveeta you four will be with Goku in his next test."
The four warrior women bowed.
China tapped Mozerella on the shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"Of course you may join them, Princess." Mozerella answered softly.
China bowed deeply, walked down the stairs, and stood beside the other warrior women.
"Hmmmm... mots mi mirs mess?" Goku said in a very muffled voice.
"Your first test?" Mozerella repeated, "Simple, you must endure the entire day with these women as their escort."
"Msort?"
"Here." Chedda took out a gold collar with the name 'Goku' on it and snapped it around Goku's neck.
"Don't forget the leash." Parmesan said as she attached the leash on the collar.
Goku groaned as he looked at the leash. He may not care much about what everyone else thinks about him but even he has his limits. **I hope Vegita doesn't see me like this. He'll have a field day.** Goku thought.
*****
"This isn't good." Gohan said as he and all of the other warriors were staring at the circle.
"Tell me about it." Goten agreed, "What kind of person could take Mom and Dad like that without a struggle?"
"This makes no sense." Vegita growled as he landed. "If some new enemy attacks us, he or she would've left some sign."
"This could be the sign." Trunks pointed out as he looked at the circle. "That thing gives me the creeps."
Piccolo knelt down and felt the dark earth in his fingers. "Hmmmm..."
"Piccolo?" Gohan asked as he came up. He knew Piccolo since he was a little boy. The serious Namekian had been like a second father to him. Piccolo had barely changed over the years. He also knew that Piccolo had the combined knowledge and wisdom of three Namekians. "Do you know what this is?"
"Maybe." Piccolo grunted, "I have to check something out. Don't worry, I'm sure your parents are fine." He flew up and then Gohan and Goten followed.
"Wait up! I have to come!" Gohan argued.
"No! If my guess is right, whoever is responsible for Goku and Chi Chi's disappearence would only talk to me." Piccolo said, "Just wait here."
Gohan gritted his teeth. He hated being helpless when something happens that he couldn't understand. That was one of the reasons he wanted to be a scholar. He wanted to understand as much as possible about what was going on in the world. He knew many things that any normal man would consider fantasy but he took comfort in that knowledge since it helped saved the world many times. "Ohhh... okay. Just be careful. I don't want another one to disappear."
"I won't." Piccolo said as he flew off in a flash of light.
*****
Goku looked around at the street. It was like the streets back home but different. The street was lined with female amazon vendors with different goods from fruits, to dresses, to weapons and armor.
"This way, boy." Chedda said as she tugged Goku's leash.
Goku almost growled as he followed the group. They went up to a vendor who's booth was lined with various axes, spears, slingshots, and even discuses. "Hello." A friendly woman in an amazon outfit said as she came up. "Welcome to Amazon weapon dot com, what kind of weapons do you need?" She looked over at Goku and laughed, "And you can tie the man up over there." She pointed to the side where a row of seats are.
"Come here, Goku." Chedda urged as she tugged at the leash again.
Goku almost laughed as he followed. He couldn't exactly argue with them and it wasn't like he could run away. **Might as well try to deal with this.** He thought as he sat in the chair and let Chedda tie his leash on a post.
"He's kinda cute, who does he belong to?" The clerk asked.
China came up and whispered in her ear.
"Oh... I see... that's interesting. Now, what kind of weapons are you looking for?"
"Why don't you go first, princess?" Chedda insisted, "You need some weapons."
China nodded in agreement and whispered to the clerk again.
"Okay... a hand spear? We have a vast assortment." The clerk said as she held up a rack of spears.
The princess looked at the spears and held one in her hands. She stepped back and swung it in the air. She held up the spear and twirled it over her head finishing with the point down.
"Impressive form, princess." Parmesan said, "Are you getting that one?"
China examined it closely and put it in Goku's basket.
"Wonderful choice, princess." The clerk said, "Would you like to see our throwing axes?"
*****
Piccolo stood at the archway. He knew about the Amazons for many years as Kami. They were a proud race who lived in a world of their own. They hated being invaded by outsiders but they do come out once in a while to reproduce. Few had even lived outside and chose to stay there. Piccolo put his right hand on the symbol of the archway and said, "Sacred doorway open the door and let me in to see the proud Amazon queen."
The doorway glowed with an eeire light, unfazed he entered.
*****
He founded himself inside the sacred palace of the Amazon women. Queen Mozerella was sitting in her throne. "Greetings, former Kami." She said softly.
Piccolo knelt down. "Queen Mozerella, it's been a while."
"Yes, it was. You've changed." The queen observed as she came down the stairs. "You look younger, more powerful... I like it."
"Thanks, you barely changed." Piccolo commented, "Still as young and flirty as before."
"Oh, Former Kami, you embarrass me." Mozerella blushed, "But still, why are you here?"
"I wish to know if Goku and Chi Chi are in your land?" Piccolo asked with the greatest amount of respect in his voice.
"Yes, they are. And to answer your unasked question, no, neither of them are my prisoners. They are both here on their on free will."
"I know. If they weren't, then there would've been some sign of struggle." Piccolo commented, "Anyway, is it possible to see them?"
"... you can see Goku but Chi Chi wishes for noone to see her, not even you. Goku is out, but he will be back at sunset."
"Very well." Piccolo bowed deeply, "I will return by then. And may I ask if Goku and Chi Chi's sons come? They are deeply worried."
"One may come at a time." Mozerella said.
"Very well." Piccolo bowed and went out. "Return!" He chanted as he stood on the circle.
*****
Goku sighed as he stood against the wall. **This is boring.** Goku thought as he watched Chedda held up another throwing ax. **She's been trying to pick out throwing axes for hours.**
Chedda flung an ax and it landed to the right of Goku's face.
**Why couldn't she just pick an ax?** Goku thought as he looked pleadingly at Chedda.
"Not enought fling." Chedda said as she put the ax to the side.
Goku glanced over at the other amazon women who were looking at the weapons. China was experimenting with a pole. Parmesan was looking at some bow and arrows and Swiss and Velveeta were checking out some clubs. They were all having fun checking weapons while he was forced to stand around.
Another ax landed to the left of his face. "Too much spin." Chedda commented.
Goku deeply wondered where Chi Chi could be. Is she being tested like himself or being held prisoner? He shook his head clear of those thoughts. Chi Chi loved him with all her heart and being and he knew it and there was no way that she would be held prisoner without hearing her screams.
Another ax flew right over his head and landed with the handle just over his face. "Perfect."
**About time.** Goku thought as he walked off.
*****
Gohan did what he normally do when he felt tense and have a need to do something. He took out a book and read. He was in a middle of a textbook on Ancient Warlords' hobbies when Piccolo tapped him on the shoulder.
"Piccolo!" Gohan stood up, "Well? Where's Mom and Dad?"
"Yeah." Goten said, "The others are out get the Dragon Balls."
"No need. I know where they are and they are fine." Piccolo commented, "But, only one of you can see Goku at a time and I don't know what happened to Chi Chi yet."
Gohan and Goten looked at each other and Goten suggested, "Why don't you go? You're way smarter than me."
"All right." Gohan said, "But, you'll get next turn."
"Okay."
"When can we go, Piccolo?" Gohan asked.
"We have to wait till the end of the day." Piccolo answered, "Goku should be done for today."
"Okay." Gohan looked up to see the afternoon sun. In just a few hours, he will be able to see his father and find out what was going on.
*****
Goku trudged along with the other amazon women. China was holding Goku's leash while walking next to him. In almost a friendly way that doesn't make him feel demeaning. She stopped and pointed to the clothes store.
"You wish to see the clothes, my princess?" Chedda asked.
China nodded once.
"Of course."
The group walked in and like before, Chedda tied Goku up to the side. Then, they went inside as Goku watched. He sat up straight and looked over the counter. China held up a beautiful purple armor outfit and looked in the mirror. She ran beyond Goku's line of vision.
Goku leaned back and looked up into the ceiling. "Goku?" Chedda asked, "Princess China requires your assistance."
The saiyan tilted his head. "Mwa for?" He asked.
China held up her outfits; one was the beautiful purple outfit he saw earlier and the other was a red and black armor outfit.
Goku looked between the two outfits. He didn't know what her face looked like but he could tell that the purple seem to highlight her black hair. The black and red armor is more frightening but it looked more like a halloween costume. He nodded toward purple one.
China lowered the red and black armor one and held the purple one higher.
"MMmm hmmmm."
The amazon princess nodded at the purple one and put the black one to the side.
Goku sat back down and kept on looking up at the ceiling.
"Hey, you taking the test?" A male voice asked.
Goku looked to his left to see a strange looking man wearing a surgical mask with sunglasses. He nodded. "Mis my mecond mess."
"Your second test, eh? Oh, I'm Akira. What's yours?"
"Gocu."
"Gocu? Goku?" Akira guessed.
"Hmmm hmmm! Mou kmo abou ma fess?"
"Of course I know about the test. I took the tests of love myself. Let me tell you, it's hard. This shopping one is nothing compared to the next tests. I can tell you what to expect on the future tests to prepare you. It might even help you pass all of them. Heck, I might even know where your wife is and how to get her back today." Akira suggested.
Goku looked over to see the Amazons gone. It could be his lucky break. If he knew what to expect from the Amazons, he might be able to get through his tests faster and get back to his training with Ubuu. Then, he frowned. But, if he took Akira's help, then it would be cheating and he's not a cheater. He's supposed to pass the tests on his own, if he took Akira's help then he will never know if he could pass those tests and his wife might never forgive him. "MO!!!" Goku yelled as he shook his head furiously.
"But, Goku, don't you know how long these tests can be? I've seen men do these type of tests for months, even years. Can you imagine yourself tied up that long? Couldn't move your hands, couldn't walk, had to be handfed soup and water all the time? And sometimes not being able to talk? Being treated like a lower lifeform at the mercy of a group of women? Being away from those you love to be humiliated? I'm offering you a shortcut." Akira insisted, "A quick way out."
Goku just looked away. He didn't want to think about the next few months. He hated being confined and the thought of not being able to train. But, he didn't care.
"You don't want to cheat do you? Don't you care about your wife? She may be in trouble right now! Do you know where your wife is now?"
Goku looked at him and shook his head.
"Then, what made you think that after you passed those ridiculous tests that you will even get your wife back? She may not even be alive."
Goku growled and got up. He went up to him and glared down at him with pitch black eyes.
"Whoa. I didn't mean to make you mad. It's just... well... these Amazons are powerful."
"So ma mif!" Goku yelled as much as he could.
"Is there something wrong, Goku?" Chedda asked as she and China came up.
Goku looked over to see Akira gone and shook his head.
"Good. Come on, Goku." Chedda untied Goku's leash and led him away, "It's time go get back."
*****
Gohan and Piccolo appeared in a vast throne room with a woman sitting in a chair. Gohan gazed at everything and looked over at the queen. "Gohan, this is Queen Mozerella of the Amazons." Piccolo introduced with the greatest respect possible in his voice.
"Hello." Gohan said as he bowed. "I'm Gohan."
"Hello, Gohan." Mozerella said with a regal voice. "I understand that you are concerned about your parents. Do not worry, they are both alive and well."
"We're back from the test." Chedda announced as she led Goku back in with China, and the other Amazon warriors behind them.
"Dad?!" Gohan exclaimed as he ran to his father. His father was tied up in some strange white material, gagged, and was led by a leash and collar. He never saw him in that light before. Even the normally stoic Piccolo gawked at his former rival as Chedda took off Goku's gag and collar.
"Hi, guys! What are you doing here?" Goku asked cheerfully as he sat down and let his legs be tied up again.
"We... were worried about you." Piccolo replied as he looked at Goku again. "Goku? Do you know that you are being wrapped up?"
"Oh this?" Goku looked down at his bindings. "I know. It's a pain but I have to wear this until the queen told me otherwise. So, don't worry!" He looked over at Princess China who was apparently staring at Gohan. "Gohan, Piccolo, this is Princess China, she's been helping taking care of me. She can't talk to men so she's quiet." Goku explained quickly. China bowed her head and Gohan and Piccolo bowed back. Gohan couldn't help but wonder why he had the strangest feeling he saw this mysterious masked woman before.
"Nice to meet you, Princes China. Dad... can we talk?" Gohan asked as he looked at the Amazons. "Alone?"
"We can talk in my room." Goku said as he hopped to the direction of his room. "May I leave, Queen Mozerella?"
"Of course, Goku. Your test is done for the day."
"Thanks." Goku bowed and hopped away.
"Dad? Do you need help?" Gohan asked as he watched his father hopped almost helplessly up the stairs.
"Nah. I'm getting the hang of this." Goku replied as they finally reached his room. "See? Have a seat." Goku offered as he sat on his bed.
Gohan and Piccolo sat in the chairs staring at Goku. Not at just his bindings but the pure and simple fact that he didn't seemed fased by his predicament. "Dad, what's going on? Why are you in that thing? Where's Mom? And how did you two get here?" Gohan blurted out.
"Whoa! One question at at time!" Goku insisted as he sweatdropped. "No wonder you wanted to be a scholar. Wow. Okay... I better start at the beginning... you see... I'm being tested. Chi Chi is here but Queen Mozerella insisted that only after I passed a series of tests that I can see her again. She wanted to see if I love Chi Chi enough to be her husband. This... wrap is made out of some special silk that can tie me up and prevents me from flying and teleporting." Goku quickly explained.
"Do you know where Chi Chi is?" Piccolo asked, "Did Queen Mozerella show you if she's here or not?"
"No. Queen Mozerella never showed me. She did give me Chi Chi's dress. It had her scent on it. That's all I need to know." Goku answered as he leaned back. "I believe that she's alive and well."
"How do you know?" Gohan asked, "How do you know she's fine?"
"I just do." Goku insisted as he slightly shook his head. "It's instinct. I can just feel it."
"Why don't we just untie you and we can go and find Mom?" Gohan asked as he went over and looked at Goku's binds. Goku jumped up and went to the side.
"No, thanks." Goku firmly said as he shook his head. "I can't. I understand that you might be concerned about me but I'm fine and so's Chi Chi. Besides... maybe I do need to prove my love for Chi Chi. Let's face it, I haven't been the... devoted husband I should be."
"Dad... you're the best." Gohan urged, "We all know you love Mom. There's no need for you to prove it now."
"The Amazons doesn't believe me and I... don't know about Chi Chi." Goku sighed, "She... may not like me after I left the last time. I leave her too often. I want to see this through."
Gohan closed his eyes. He loved his father dearly and if he could he would take him away and rescue his mother. But, he couldn't force Goku away. "Do you need us to do anything, Dad?" Gohan asked.
"I... don't know how long me and your mother will be here. So... could you keep the house going until we get back and take care of Goten? I'm sure Chi Chi would want that."
"Sure, Dad. Goten can stay with us." Gohan replied. He was planning to have Goten visit for a while and his house could handle another demi-saiyan.
Goku then looked over at Piccolo with a serious expression. "And Piccolo, this is important but... can you train Ubuu for me while I'm gone? You're a great mentor and you did such a good job with Gohan."
"I don't know... the kid was a reincarnated demon." Piccolo said.
"And what are you?" Goku pointed out.
Gohan fought the urge to laugh at Piccolo's stunned face. Finally, the Namekian said, "Point taken. Okay, I'll do it. I'll train him so hard that he'll beat you up if you take too long."
"Thanks!" Goku said as Gohan hugged him.
"You just take care and get Mom home." Gohan urged, "I'll tell everyone else what happened."
"Good."
Gohan let go of his father and then glanced at Piccolo. Piccolo rose his hand and then noticed that he couldn't shake Goku's hand. Instead, he bowed politely and said, "You have to understand, I'm not a hugger."
"That's cool." Goku bowed back slightly. "Say 'hi' to Pan for me. Okay?"
"Sure thing, Dad." Gohan said as he and Piccolo walked out of the room. Gohan and Piccolo stunned, went down the hall and saw Princess China standing there.
"You take good care of him." Piccolo advised, "He's a good man."
China nodded once and then looked at Gohan. Gohan took a deep breath and asked, "Is my mother okay?"
China did a thumbs up.
"Good. I was worried about her." Gohan explained as he turned red. The two walked off to the vanishing circle and disappeared.
Behind her mask, a single tear came out of China's eye.
To Be Continued...
Test Two
By Maria Cline
The sun rose as Goku yawned and opened his eyes. "It's not a dream." Goku realized as he shifted in his bonds. He grabbed his sheet by the teeth and pulled it off. Then, he rolled off his bed and ended up landing on his face. "Ouch." Goku moaned as he flipped onto his back and started doing situps. It was a ritual for him to start off the day doing some sort of exercise. Since he couldn't do pushups or jumping jacks, he would have to just do situps. He always had to train. He couldn't stand doing nothing but lie around.
China came in the door with a bowl and jug on a tray. Like before, they both had straws in them.
Goku sat up and looked up. "Hey, Princess China."
China nodded and held up the tray. She sat it down on the dresser and helped Goku up to the bed. She placed the tray on his lap and held the bowl up to his lips. Goku drank up the soup in a gulp. The delicious soup tasted the same as before, rich and flavorable through his body. "Thank you." He said as he leaned over to drink the water. After the water, he sighed in relief. "So, when's the next test?"
China pointed to the door and then tapped on her wrist. "Now?" Goku guessed.
China nodded and pointed to the door again.
"Okay." Goku hopped to his feet and followed the woman. He didn't know why but for some reason, he had been able to understand her movements and feelings. He didn't know her face or her voice but he had a good feeling he knew her before.
After a long hallway and going down a few stairs, Goku and China reached the throne room. China went up the stairs and sat beside Queen Mozerella.
"Goku, are you prepared for your next test?" Mozerella asked.
"Of course." Goku excitedly said as he hopped a little in place. He wanted to get the tests over with and get his wife back.
"Now, this test will be different from the one you did yesterday. For one thing, you will be allowed to walk but you couldn't talk."
"Sounds fair." **At least I will be able to walk instead of hopping around.** Goku thought as he nodded.
"Good. Chedda, prepare Goku for the second test." Mozerella ordered.
Chedda bowed, grabbed Goku, slung him over her shoulder, and carried him off to the side.
After a few minutes, Goku stood there confused. His legs were freed and he could now walk but his mouth was covered in the same mysterious ribbon. On his chest was a huge wicket baskets. Goku stretched a little and looked up at the queen and princess.
"Now, Chedda, Parmesan, Swiss, and Velveeta you four will be with Goku in his next test."
The four warrior women bowed.
China tapped Mozerella on the shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"Of course you may join them, Princess." Mozerella answered softly.
China bowed deeply, walked down the stairs, and stood beside the other warrior women.
"Hmmmm... mots mi mirs mess?" Goku said in a very muffled voice.
"Your first test?" Mozerella repeated, "Simple, you must endure the entire day with these women as their escort."
"Msort?"
"Here." Chedda took out a gold collar with the name 'Goku' on it and snapped it around Goku's neck.
"Don't forget the leash." Parmesan said as she attached the leash on the collar.
Goku groaned as he looked at the leash. He may not care much about what everyone else thinks about him but even he has his limits. **I hope Vegita doesn't see me like this. He'll have a field day.** Goku thought.
*****
"This isn't good." Gohan said as he and all of the other warriors were staring at the circle.
"Tell me about it." Goten agreed, "What kind of person could take Mom and Dad like that without a struggle?"
"This makes no sense." Vegita growled as he landed. "If some new enemy attacks us, he or she would've left some sign."
"This could be the sign." Trunks pointed out as he looked at the circle. "That thing gives me the creeps."
Piccolo knelt down and felt the dark earth in his fingers. "Hmmmm..."
"Piccolo?" Gohan asked as he came up. He knew Piccolo since he was a little boy. The serious Namekian had been like a second father to him. Piccolo had barely changed over the years. He also knew that Piccolo had the combined knowledge and wisdom of three Namekians. "Do you know what this is?"
"Maybe." Piccolo grunted, "I have to check something out. Don't worry, I'm sure your parents are fine." He flew up and then Gohan and Goten followed.
"Wait up! I have to come!" Gohan argued.
"No! If my guess is right, whoever is responsible for Goku and Chi Chi's disappearence would only talk to me." Piccolo said, "Just wait here."
Gohan gritted his teeth. He hated being helpless when something happens that he couldn't understand. That was one of the reasons he wanted to be a scholar. He wanted to understand as much as possible about what was going on in the world. He knew many things that any normal man would consider fantasy but he took comfort in that knowledge since it helped saved the world many times. "Ohhh... okay. Just be careful. I don't want another one to disappear."
"I won't." Piccolo said as he flew off in a flash of light.
*****
Goku looked around at the street. It was like the streets back home but different. The street was lined with female amazon vendors with different goods from fruits, to dresses, to weapons and armor.
"This way, boy." Chedda said as she tugged Goku's leash.
Goku almost growled as he followed the group. They went up to a vendor who's booth was lined with various axes, spears, slingshots, and even discuses. "Hello." A friendly woman in an amazon outfit said as she came up. "Welcome to Amazon weapon dot com, what kind of weapons do you need?" She looked over at Goku and laughed, "And you can tie the man up over there." She pointed to the side where a row of seats are.
"Come here, Goku." Chedda urged as she tugged at the leash again.
Goku almost laughed as he followed. He couldn't exactly argue with them and it wasn't like he could run away. **Might as well try to deal with this.** He thought as he sat in the chair and let Chedda tie his leash on a post.
"He's kinda cute, who does he belong to?" The clerk asked.
China came up and whispered in her ear.
"Oh... I see... that's interesting. Now, what kind of weapons are you looking for?"
"Why don't you go first, princess?" Chedda insisted, "You need some weapons."
China nodded in agreement and whispered to the clerk again.
"Okay... a hand spear? We have a vast assortment." The clerk said as she held up a rack of spears.
The princess looked at the spears and held one in her hands. She stepped back and swung it in the air. She held up the spear and twirled it over her head finishing with the point down.
"Impressive form, princess." Parmesan said, "Are you getting that one?"
China examined it closely and put it in Goku's basket.
"Wonderful choice, princess." The clerk said, "Would you like to see our throwing axes?"
*****
Piccolo stood at the archway. He knew about the Amazons for many years as Kami. They were a proud race who lived in a world of their own. They hated being invaded by outsiders but they do come out once in a while to reproduce. Few had even lived outside and chose to stay there. Piccolo put his right hand on the symbol of the archway and said, "Sacred doorway open the door and let me in to see the proud Amazon queen."
The doorway glowed with an eeire light, unfazed he entered.
*****
He founded himself inside the sacred palace of the Amazon women. Queen Mozerella was sitting in her throne. "Greetings, former Kami." She said softly.
Piccolo knelt down. "Queen Mozerella, it's been a while."
"Yes, it was. You've changed." The queen observed as she came down the stairs. "You look younger, more powerful... I like it."
"Thanks, you barely changed." Piccolo commented, "Still as young and flirty as before."
"Oh, Former Kami, you embarrass me." Mozerella blushed, "But still, why are you here?"
"I wish to know if Goku and Chi Chi are in your land?" Piccolo asked with the greatest amount of respect in his voice.
"Yes, they are. And to answer your unasked question, no, neither of them are my prisoners. They are both here on their on free will."
"I know. If they weren't, then there would've been some sign of struggle." Piccolo commented, "Anyway, is it possible to see them?"
"... you can see Goku but Chi Chi wishes for noone to see her, not even you. Goku is out, but he will be back at sunset."
"Very well." Piccolo bowed deeply, "I will return by then. And may I ask if Goku and Chi Chi's sons come? They are deeply worried."
"One may come at a time." Mozerella said.
"Very well." Piccolo bowed and went out. "Return!" He chanted as he stood on the circle.
*****
Goku sighed as he stood against the wall. **This is boring.** Goku thought as he watched Chedda held up another throwing ax. **She's been trying to pick out throwing axes for hours.**
Chedda flung an ax and it landed to the right of Goku's face.
**Why couldn't she just pick an ax?** Goku thought as he looked pleadingly at Chedda.
"Not enought fling." Chedda said as she put the ax to the side.
Goku glanced over at the other amazon women who were looking at the weapons. China was experimenting with a pole. Parmesan was looking at some bow and arrows and Swiss and Velveeta were checking out some clubs. They were all having fun checking weapons while he was forced to stand around.
Another ax landed to the left of his face. "Too much spin." Chedda commented.
Goku deeply wondered where Chi Chi could be. Is she being tested like himself or being held prisoner? He shook his head clear of those thoughts. Chi Chi loved him with all her heart and being and he knew it and there was no way that she would be held prisoner without hearing her screams.
Another ax flew right over his head and landed with the handle just over his face. "Perfect."
**About time.** Goku thought as he walked off.
*****
Gohan did what he normally do when he felt tense and have a need to do something. He took out a book and read. He was in a middle of a textbook on Ancient Warlords' hobbies when Piccolo tapped him on the shoulder.
"Piccolo!" Gohan stood up, "Well? Where's Mom and Dad?"
"Yeah." Goten said, "The others are out get the Dragon Balls."
"No need. I know where they are and they are fine." Piccolo commented, "But, only one of you can see Goku at a time and I don't know what happened to Chi Chi yet."
Gohan and Goten looked at each other and Goten suggested, "Why don't you go? You're way smarter than me."
"All right." Gohan said, "But, you'll get next turn."
"Okay."
"When can we go, Piccolo?" Gohan asked.
"We have to wait till the end of the day." Piccolo answered, "Goku should be done for today."
"Okay." Gohan looked up to see the afternoon sun. In just a few hours, he will be able to see his father and find out what was going on.
*****
Goku trudged along with the other amazon women. China was holding Goku's leash while walking next to him. In almost a friendly way that doesn't make him feel demeaning. She stopped and pointed to the clothes store.
"You wish to see the clothes, my princess?" Chedda asked.
China nodded once.
"Of course."
The group walked in and like before, Chedda tied Goku up to the side. Then, they went inside as Goku watched. He sat up straight and looked over the counter. China held up a beautiful purple armor outfit and looked in the mirror. She ran beyond Goku's line of vision.
Goku leaned back and looked up into the ceiling. "Goku?" Chedda asked, "Princess China requires your assistance."
The saiyan tilted his head. "Mwa for?" He asked.
China held up her outfits; one was the beautiful purple outfit he saw earlier and the other was a red and black armor outfit.
Goku looked between the two outfits. He didn't know what her face looked like but he could tell that the purple seem to highlight her black hair. The black and red armor is more frightening but it looked more like a halloween costume. He nodded toward purple one.
China lowered the red and black armor one and held the purple one higher.
"MMmm hmmmm."
The amazon princess nodded at the purple one and put the black one to the side.
Goku sat back down and kept on looking up at the ceiling.
"Hey, you taking the test?" A male voice asked.
Goku looked to his left to see a strange looking man wearing a surgical mask with sunglasses. He nodded. "Mis my mecond mess."
"Your second test, eh? Oh, I'm Akira. What's yours?"
"Gocu."
"Gocu? Goku?" Akira guessed.
"Hmmm hmmm! Mou kmo abou ma fess?"
"Of course I know about the test. I took the tests of love myself. Let me tell you, it's hard. This shopping one is nothing compared to the next tests. I can tell you what to expect on the future tests to prepare you. It might even help you pass all of them. Heck, I might even know where your wife is and how to get her back today." Akira suggested.
Goku looked over to see the Amazons gone. It could be his lucky break. If he knew what to expect from the Amazons, he might be able to get through his tests faster and get back to his training with Ubuu. Then, he frowned. But, if he took Akira's help, then it would be cheating and he's not a cheater. He's supposed to pass the tests on his own, if he took Akira's help then he will never know if he could pass those tests and his wife might never forgive him. "MO!!!" Goku yelled as he shook his head furiously.
"But, Goku, don't you know how long these tests can be? I've seen men do these type of tests for months, even years. Can you imagine yourself tied up that long? Couldn't move your hands, couldn't walk, had to be handfed soup and water all the time? And sometimes not being able to talk? Being treated like a lower lifeform at the mercy of a group of women? Being away from those you love to be humiliated? I'm offering you a shortcut." Akira insisted, "A quick way out."
Goku just looked away. He didn't want to think about the next few months. He hated being confined and the thought of not being able to train. But, he didn't care.
"You don't want to cheat do you? Don't you care about your wife? She may be in trouble right now! Do you know where your wife is now?"
Goku looked at him and shook his head.
"Then, what made you think that after you passed those ridiculous tests that you will even get your wife back? She may not even be alive."
Goku growled and got up. He went up to him and glared down at him with pitch black eyes.
"Whoa. I didn't mean to make you mad. It's just... well... these Amazons are powerful."
"So ma mif!" Goku yelled as much as he could.
"Is there something wrong, Goku?" Chedda asked as she and China came up.
Goku looked over to see Akira gone and shook his head.
"Good. Come on, Goku." Chedda untied Goku's leash and led him away, "It's time go get back."
*****
Gohan and Piccolo appeared in a vast throne room with a woman sitting in a chair. Gohan gazed at everything and looked over at the queen. "Gohan, this is Queen Mozerella of the Amazons." Piccolo introduced with the greatest respect possible in his voice.
"Hello." Gohan said as he bowed. "I'm Gohan."
"Hello, Gohan." Mozerella said with a regal voice. "I understand that you are concerned about your parents. Do not worry, they are both alive and well."
"We're back from the test." Chedda announced as she led Goku back in with China, and the other Amazon warriors behind them.
"Dad?!" Gohan exclaimed as he ran to his father. His father was tied up in some strange white material, gagged, and was led by a leash and collar. He never saw him in that light before. Even the normally stoic Piccolo gawked at his former rival as Chedda took off Goku's gag and collar.
"Hi, guys! What are you doing here?" Goku asked cheerfully as he sat down and let his legs be tied up again.
"We... were worried about you." Piccolo replied as he looked at Goku again. "Goku? Do you know that you are being wrapped up?"
"Oh this?" Goku looked down at his bindings. "I know. It's a pain but I have to wear this until the queen told me otherwise. So, don't worry!" He looked over at Princess China who was apparently staring at Gohan. "Gohan, Piccolo, this is Princess China, she's been helping taking care of me. She can't talk to men so she's quiet." Goku explained quickly. China bowed her head and Gohan and Piccolo bowed back. Gohan couldn't help but wonder why he had the strangest feeling he saw this mysterious masked woman before.
"Nice to meet you, Princes China. Dad... can we talk?" Gohan asked as he looked at the Amazons. "Alone?"
"We can talk in my room." Goku said as he hopped to the direction of his room. "May I leave, Queen Mozerella?"
"Of course, Goku. Your test is done for the day."
"Thanks." Goku bowed and hopped away.
"Dad? Do you need help?" Gohan asked as he watched his father hopped almost helplessly up the stairs.
"Nah. I'm getting the hang of this." Goku replied as they finally reached his room. "See? Have a seat." Goku offered as he sat on his bed.
Gohan and Piccolo sat in the chairs staring at Goku. Not at just his bindings but the pure and simple fact that he didn't seemed fased by his predicament. "Dad, what's going on? Why are you in that thing? Where's Mom? And how did you two get here?" Gohan blurted out.
"Whoa! One question at at time!" Goku insisted as he sweatdropped. "No wonder you wanted to be a scholar. Wow. Okay... I better start at the beginning... you see... I'm being tested. Chi Chi is here but Queen Mozerella insisted that only after I passed a series of tests that I can see her again. She wanted to see if I love Chi Chi enough to be her husband. This... wrap is made out of some special silk that can tie me up and prevents me from flying and teleporting." Goku quickly explained.
"Do you know where Chi Chi is?" Piccolo asked, "Did Queen Mozerella show you if she's here or not?"
"No. Queen Mozerella never showed me. She did give me Chi Chi's dress. It had her scent on it. That's all I need to know." Goku answered as he leaned back. "I believe that she's alive and well."
"How do you know?" Gohan asked, "How do you know she's fine?"
"I just do." Goku insisted as he slightly shook his head. "It's instinct. I can just feel it."
"Why don't we just untie you and we can go and find Mom?" Gohan asked as he went over and looked at Goku's binds. Goku jumped up and went to the side.
"No, thanks." Goku firmly said as he shook his head. "I can't. I understand that you might be concerned about me but I'm fine and so's Chi Chi. Besides... maybe I do need to prove my love for Chi Chi. Let's face it, I haven't been the... devoted husband I should be."
"Dad... you're the best." Gohan urged, "We all know you love Mom. There's no need for you to prove it now."
"The Amazons doesn't believe me and I... don't know about Chi Chi." Goku sighed, "She... may not like me after I left the last time. I leave her too often. I want to see this through."
Gohan closed his eyes. He loved his father dearly and if he could he would take him away and rescue his mother. But, he couldn't force Goku away. "Do you need us to do anything, Dad?" Gohan asked.
"I... don't know how long me and your mother will be here. So... could you keep the house going until we get back and take care of Goten? I'm sure Chi Chi would want that."
"Sure, Dad. Goten can stay with us." Gohan replied. He was planning to have Goten visit for a while and his house could handle another demi-saiyan.
Goku then looked over at Piccolo with a serious expression. "And Piccolo, this is important but... can you train Ubuu for me while I'm gone? You're a great mentor and you did such a good job with Gohan."
"I don't know... the kid was a reincarnated demon." Piccolo said.
"And what are you?" Goku pointed out.
Gohan fought the urge to laugh at Piccolo's stunned face. Finally, the Namekian said, "Point taken. Okay, I'll do it. I'll train him so hard that he'll beat you up if you take too long."
"Thanks!" Goku said as Gohan hugged him.
"You just take care and get Mom home." Gohan urged, "I'll tell everyone else what happened."
"Good."
Gohan let go of his father and then glanced at Piccolo. Piccolo rose his hand and then noticed that he couldn't shake Goku's hand. Instead, he bowed politely and said, "You have to understand, I'm not a hugger."
"That's cool." Goku bowed back slightly. "Say 'hi' to Pan for me. Okay?"
"Sure thing, Dad." Gohan said as he and Piccolo walked out of the room. Gohan and Piccolo stunned, went down the hall and saw Princess China standing there.
"You take good care of him." Piccolo advised, "He's a good man."
China nodded once and then looked at Gohan. Gohan took a deep breath and asked, "Is my mother okay?"
China did a thumbs up.
"Good. I was worried about her." Gohan explained as he turned red. The two walked off to the vanishing circle and disappeared.
Behind her mask, a single tear came out of China's eye.
To Be Continued...