AN: Nothing special to say. Read the chapter! (Yes, it's back to fighting now…mostly.)

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragonball. Hey, I'm not feeling very creative right now. So kill me (don't take that literally, please! I like being alive!)

Through Thick and thin

Chapter Eleven: When You're Older

Goku looked confused, his eyes conveying a sense of "huh? Help me, I'm clueless!"

Krillin stared at Chi-Chi like she was mad, and shook his head. 'Krillin, don't go crazy!!…Oh great, I'm talking to myself in third person! HELP!'

Chi-Chi wasn't sure what was going on…I mean, why was everyone staring at her? SHE didn't do anything.

Luckily, none of the crowd was aware of what happened. All they knew was that the match was being slowed down by some @$$*^%%$. What nerve!

"Um…guys, is it just me or did Chi-Chi just say something to Goku in reply to something Goku never said? Wait…don't answer that."

"Yes, Krillin…but I didn't say it…I THOUGHT it…" Goku stared at Chi-Chi. Was she some sort of psychic?

"No, Goku, I'm NOT a psychic!" After Chi-Chi said that, she quickly covered her mouth with her palm.

"I'm scared. I'm really, really, scared."

"KRILLIN, SHUT UP!" As Chi-Chi and Krillin started to get into a quarrel, the announcer walked up to them.

"Hello, Chi-Chi. May I ask what is TAKING YOU SO LONG?" Chi-Chi sheepishly grinned her own imitation of the Son Grinä. Surprisingly, It worked. The announcer sighed and waved his hand.

"I'm sorry, Chi-Chi, but you'll have to finish up this…er, conversation later. Your match is waiting, and you know how impatient those buggers are!" The announcer chuckled at his own 'joke' and walked to the center of the arena once more.

Chi-Chi glared at Krillin and Goku.

"We are going to have a long talk when this match is over. Or rather, when the tournament is over. I don't want any distractions." Goku and Krillin nodded dumbly.

"Sure, Chi." Chi-Chi sighed and gave one last look at Goku.

"So, I suppose you'll be calling me from now on, huh?" And with an amused glance, she hurried towards the center of the ring.

Krillin shook his head. "Goku, Goku. I always wondered about you. How could you?"

"How could I what?" Krilin gave a sigh. Boy, Goku was beyond naïve. He was…Goku. Wonderful description, if I say so myself.

"I'll tell you when you're older. 'Kay?" Krillin had an amused look on his face.

"Sure, Krillin. I guess…" Goku gave a shrug and turned his attention back on the match.

"LADIES AND GENT-" But before the announcer could finish his wonderful speech, the gong sounded. The announcer scratched his head.

'But what about me?'

………………

Chi-Chi rushed at Oogato. There was NO way she was taking any chances. This match was going to be over, and she was positive that she would come out the victor. With her fast reflexes, she quickly swept her legs under Oogato's feet in order to make him fall. No such luck. When she made contact with him, his feet felt like two block of condensed lead.

"OW!"

Next, Oogato attacked. Running towards her at top-speed, he spread out his arms to completely run her over.

Chi-Chi dodged, narrowly missing his onslaught.

SCRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEECCCHHHHHHHH. Oogato skidded to a stop, his heels scratching the flawless white tile of the arena floor.

He started to wobble. One could hear loud gasps coming from the ground. Chi-Chi crept forward, and was nearing her opponent when he suddenly regained his balance and charged straight at her. Screams of excitement were emitted from the large audience, yet Chi-Chi was too busy staring in horror at the quickly approaching figure.

'What to do, what to do?!?" She quickly jumped, and covered her eyes.

It felt wonderful, the wind. Heading like an arrow up in the sky, her hair fluttering behind her.

"With every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Thus, Chi-Chi stopped accelerating and slowly began her descent back to earth.

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Chi-Chi screamed, the wind was rushing in her ears, and she dared not open her eyes. After all, when she landed, it was all over. There was no way she would land on just her two feet.

Suddenly, she hit a solid object...rather soft, relative to the floor. She heard a gasp and a short moan/grunt, and whatever she had landed on slumped to the floor.

Then, she fainted.

……………….

Chi-Chi awoke to find herself on the bulky form of her opponent.

'Huh? What happened?' As if to answer her question, someone walked quickly up to her.

"Congrats, Chi-Chi! Another victory for us women!"

"Bulma?"

"Yup, now just stay put. You've only been out for a couple min-"

"WAIT! I WON?!"

"Yes, now girl, just stay put."

"Bu-b-but how?" Chi-Chi stuttered.

"Ah, well, let's just say that you had a lucky break."

"Please, Bulma."

"Sure, fine. When you landed, you conveniently choose to use Oogato as a cushion for you fall." Bulma giggled a bit, but continued.

"The mere force and momentum of your fall caused Oogato to completely buckle under your weight. He dropped to the floor like a rock, and since all the while you stayed on his back, you never touched the floor. Thus, you're the victor."

Chi-Chi was speechless. This wasn't skill at all…this was pure luck. Yet who was she to complain?

Chi-Chi quickly thanked Bulma and hurried off to find Goku.

"Hey! Wait!" Chi-Chi slowed down and looked back to a huffing and puffing Bulma Briefs.

"Can't I go too?" Bulma grinned. Chi-Chi returned the gesture and matched her pace to Bulma's.

"So…"

AN: A little shorter than normal, but just by about 30 words or so. What do you think Krillin was referring to in the beginning? Cast in your thoughts! Although you won't know until I choose to reveal…but it's pretty obvious anyways.

Next chapter: Goku against the blond woman who tends to like using profanity. Chi-Chi and Bulma also have a little girl-chat. Yes, evil is stirring…

Kat's Advertisement Corner!

This fanfiction was brought to my attention by Kaz (Valkryie). Thanks!

Goteneo and Truliet, by Burenda. A hilarious piece about Goten and Trucks having to be in the play Romeo and Juliet. Three guesses to who the lead roles are, the first two don't count. Not shounen-ai…just funny. Read it!

Review, please, and put in your little input on to what Krillin was referring to (as if it's not blatant enough…)! (pun not intended)

-kat