Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ ok! Oh geesh I hate disclaimers…
A/N: Look, a faster update! 3 cheers for me! Lol. Well anyway, I really hope you all enjoy this chapter, its probably one of the longest chapters so far and I really did put lots of hard work into. I'd like to dedicate this chapter to my good pal Brian because you sent me an e-mail review and it made feel special. Thanks! Hope you enjoy this chap! ~D.B
And Then You'll Know
Chapter 42
Before anyone was really aware of it, 3 weeks had gone past. Well, 2 weeks and 5 days to be exact. It was a beautiful afternoon, the first day of summer. Birds were chirping in the trees, a warm breeze was blowing through the palace bringing with it all the delightful smells of summer and good moods all around.
"Hey, you coming in?" Bulma called out as she stripped out of her denim mini skirt and yellow shirt to reveal a hot pink bikini underneath.
18 almost laughed, "You've got to be kidding!" she retorted
"Ok then, you're loss" Bulma replied, jumping into the pool, splashing 18 with tiny droplets of water.
18 then heard two more voices behind her. Spinning around, she saw Krillen and Kakkarot walking up towards the pool, both dressed in swimming shorts and carrying towels over their shoulders.
"Hi babe" Krillen shouted as he raced over to 18, picked her up and flung her over his shoulder.
"Krillen!" she shrieked "What are you doing?!"
"Having fun," Krillen replied placing her back on the ground and kissing her.
18 was taken completely by surprise by Krillens sudden change in mood. For the past few days he had been bleak and depressed, crushed under the weight of running the palace, even with Vegeta by his side, it was hard work for a 20 year old with no experience what so ever.
They heard a splash as Kakkarot jumped into the pool, then a few seconds later a shocked squeal as he surfaced under Bulma and threw her off his shoulders. Even 18 couldn't help laughing at that.
Bulma came up gasping for air and laughing like a maniac. "Kakkarot, what was that for?" she asked, as she swum over to him and splashed him with huge amounts of water.
"You're coming in the pool, right?" Krillen asked as he flung his towel over the back of one of the chairs.
"I don't think so," replied 18, "I'm not much of a swimmer"
"But it's the first day of summer!" Krillen exclaimed, "It's tradition to go in the pool on the first day of summer!"
"It's not my tradition" argued 18.
"Well if you're going to be part of our family you are going to have to take up our traditions" he said with a smile.
18 raised an eyebrow, "I'm going to be part of your family?" she asked with a grin
"If you want. But right now, you're going swimming"
"I don't have a suit" 18 said, thinking that would deter him.
"That's ok, we don't mind" he said, smirking devilishly
"What are you up to?" 18 asked wryly
Krillen only flashed her a cheeky smile
The next thing 18 knew, she was in the pool. While Krillen had distracted her, Kakkarot had snuck up behind her, then he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her into the pool. The first thing she heard when she surfaced was everyone laughing.
"That wasn't funny," she said, then totally contradicted herself by chuckling.
These were good times for her, finally, after so many years of being mistreated and abused, things were finally starting to go her way. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she could actually smile because she was happy. A true, happy smile.
She had a loving boyfriend, something she had never had before, great friends who liked her for her, appreciated and understood her, the best brother and niece a girl could ask for and best off all, she hadn't seen Chi-chi in days and days. Well for that matter, no one had. It was no secret any more that she was completely and utterly insane, but in the last week or so it had really exploded.
She hadn't come out of her room in about a week, and if you walked around the outside side of the palace and looked up, you would see her blind was pulled shut also. Krillen had requested that the cooks leave 2 meals a day outside her room. It was sweet, even after all she had put him through, he was still worried about his older sister.
Really, it had all started when the Kings departure was announced. She had taken the news worst than most, spending the hour's immediately following the announcement running up and down the palace halls screaming the word 'papa' at the top of her lungs. Obviously searching for him. Until she had just worn herself out and had to be carried back to her room. After that, she had been making her self scares, then she just disappeared all together.
It was 18's idea of heaven. Friends, family and no work.
18 was brought back into the here and now by the sound of laughter and water splashing her face.
"What's wrong babe?" Krillen asked, swimming over to her and resting a hand on her shoulder.
18 blinked and flashed him a bright smile, "nothing" she said.
"You sure?" Krillen asked, dipping his hands below the water and wrapping them around 18's waist.
"Yes I'm sure" she reassured him.
Krillen looked at her for a few seconds, before a big smile spread across his face "alright then. But if ever you're not alright, let me know"
"Will do. Now go play" 18 said with a laugh.
18 hauled herself out of the pool and sat on the edge, swishing her legs back and fourth in the cool water. Before long, Bulma came and joined her. "What's up?" she asked
18 rolled her eyes, "why does everyone keep asking me that? Nothings up, and I'm fine"
Bulma had to laugh, "you know me far to well 18"
She shrugged her shoulders before replying, "It's a gift"
The two girls sat quiet for a few minutes watching Krillen and Kakkarot swat a brightly colored inflatable ball to each other.
"Don't get sun burnt" 18 suddenly commented out of virtually nowhere.
"Huh?" Bulma looked confused
"You're getting married in 2 days, you don't want to be all red, it doesn't go very well with white" 18 explained
"You're right 18," said Bulma. 18 watched as she stood up and grabbed a bottle of sunscreen off the plastic table by the pool. Handing it to 18 she asked, "would you mind?"
"Ah sure" 18 replied as she squirted some of the contents of the bottle onto her hand and rubbed it into Bulma's back, making sure she covered everywhere she could see.
"Here, why don't you let me" came a gruff voice from behind 18. Turning around and looking up, she saw Vegeta. He was not dressed in pool attire at all, but still she moved out of the way by slipping back into the cool water.
"Having fun?" Vegeta asked as he ran his hands along Bulma's smooth shoulders.
"Yes thank you" she replied, leaning back against him and effectively getting sunscreen all over his shirt. Her mumbled something under his breath that Bulma couldn't understand and went to stand up.
Bulma wouldn't have it though and grabbed onto Vegeta's legs, preventing him from going anywhere.
"Woman" he mumbled.
"What Vegeta?" she asked sweetly, smiling up at him.
"Let go of me"
"No"
"Yes"
"No"
"I throw you in the pool" he threatened.
"I'll be taking you with me"
A scowl settled on Vegeta's face, but it wasn't a wholehearted scowl. His eyes were giving him away, they were sparkling with life and happiness. He couldn't help but smile at her.
Squeezing onto his leg a little tighter, Bulma mouthed the words 'I love you, to him, then promptly contorted her body in such a way that Vegeta went toppling into the pool. Causing Bulma, along with everyone else to burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
"Woman!" Vegeta scolded her while grabbing onto her arm and pulling her to, into the pool
***
The sun had long ago set over the land, starts shimmered in the night sky bring even the darkest corners to life.
Tarie wandered down halls she hadn't walked for months, yet still seemed all to familiar to her, the cold floor against her bare feet sent chills up her spine and made her shudder. Without even realizing it, she wrapped her arms around her shoulders for extra warmth. Had she really become so weak that she could no longer stand the conditions she had survived for so long.
The familiar, foul odour filled her nose and made her stomach turn. She was tempted to turn back, but she had come so far, and besides, why should she be afraid of this. She grew up here and knew full well what to expect.
Pushing hard against the door to the slave quarters she managed to push it open just enough to slip through. From here on in, she knew where she was going. Making her way through the cold rooms, she came to where she used to call home.
"18" she called in a loud whisper
Someone groaned, but it was not 18, it sounded far to young to be 18.
"Tarie, is that you?" 18 asked drowsily as she sat up and ran her hand through her hair, which was still damp from the shower she had taken earlier.
As Tarie's eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, she noticed a small body in the bed she used to share with 17. A new shipment? She had no idea.
"Who's that?" she asked. 18 climbed out the bed and pulled on her skirt.
"Shhh, that's Sachi, you'll wake her. Let's get out of here"
The two young girls quickly made their way out of the slave quarters and to the palace above them.
"Sorry to wake you, I just really needed another girl to talk to"
"Hey", 18 said through a yawn, "It's no biggie. What do you want to talk about?"
"Bianca"
A proud smile settled on 18's face at the mention of her three week old niece. "What about her?"
"I…. I just don't feel like I'm connecting with her"
18 blinked, she had seen Tarie with Bianca, she was a natural. "What are you talking about? You are great with her"
"It's not that I have a problem with. I just don't feel like I've connected with her emotionally, like 17 has. He knows what she wants just by listening to her cry, I can't do that." She explained, sniffing back tears, "I feel like I don't know my own daughter"
18 put her arm around Tarie's shoulder in a comforting hug "Tarie," her voice was full of sympathy, "It's alright. I know you are a fantastic mother, I've seen you. Bianca loves you and you love her, that's all there is to it. 18 didn't exactly know what to say, but she was trying her best and hoping that it worked.
"But 18…I-" 18 cut her off.
"But nothing. I'm right, trust me."
"You don't know what it's like though. I feel like I've failed my baby"
"Have you talked to 17 about this? He's probably concerned"
"You think so?"
"I know so. Now c'mon, I'll walk you back to your room"
***
5am. The alarm went off, and instantly Bunny Briefs was awake. Beside her, her husband groaned and rolled over, burying his face even further into the pillow.
"Dear," she said, rubbing his shoulder, "wake up"
"It's far to early"
"Nonsense," Bunny scolded him, "today is your daughters wedding day, I will not have sleep right through it" with that, Bunny got up and pulled open the curtains, outside the sky was a beautiful blue, the perfect start to the perfect day.
Bunny walked out of the small bedroom and into the kitchen, where she boiled the kettle and pulled out an assortment of pots and pans. No bride could survive on an empty stomach. Before long, all the tantalizing smells wafting from the kitchen woke Bulma up. She wandered out to the main part of the house, still half asleep.
"Bulma!" her mother squealed, stopping what she was doing and rushing over to bombard her daughter with an onslaught of hugs and kisses.
"Mum, what are you doing?" Bulma asked, running her hand through her sleep tousled hair.
"Can't an overly proud mother kiss her own daughter on her wedding day?"
Bulma stopped dead in her tracks. Up until just then, she had totally forgotten, it was far to early to even be awake, let alone thinking. "Oh my god!" she burst out and jumped up and down suddenly wide awake, "It's today!"
Bunny had to laugh as she embraced her daughter again.
~
Half an hour later, the small family sat around their breakfast table enjoying just about every kind of breakfast food the planet had to offer.
Bulma could feel the proud eyes of her parents on her, it made her feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, Bunny got up and walked away, only to return seconds later holding a small box in her hands.
"Bulma, I just want you to know how proud I…how proud we are of you." She said, wiping tears from her face, "I wore this on my wedding day, I was always going to pass it down to Tammin, but I think she would be honored for you to wear it"
Taking the box off her mother, Bulma flipped the lid open, inside was a stunning hair clip made of silver with diamonds and crystals on it. Bulma felt her breath catch in her throat she looked down at the beautiful clip in shock. "Mum…" she stopped for a few seconds "are you sure you want me to have this?" she asked.
"Of course I am" she replied, her voice just oozing with pride
Looking up at her parents, Bulma smiled, "thank-you" she said whole heartedly, "I know that today is going to be just prefect"
***
"Vegeta man, calm down!" Krillen said with a wide grin as he patted his brother on the back, "You're gonna pace a hole in the floor if you don't give it a rest"
"That's easy for you to say" said Vegeta as he sunk into a chair and rested his chin in his hands, "your wedding day isn't going down the toilet"
"And neither is yours," reasoned Krillen, "you're just nervous"
"I am not"
Krillen sniggered and turned away so Vegeta wouldn't see him laughing, it didn't work though.
"Stop laughing, this is no laughing matter" Vegeta scolded him.
"Yes it is. I've never seen you like this, you're a nervous wreck and it's hilarious! You should see yourself"
"I'd really rather not"
The two boys were sitting in the front parlour of the palace, it was a room that had been decorated by their mother many years ago and all of her children regarded it as one of their favorite rooms in the entire palace. The wedding wasn't to take place for another 6 and a half hours. Bulma had most definitely not wanted a large wedding bombarded with photos, interviews and the press, and Vegeta had agreed, so they had decided on a small gathering of about 100 guests with the ceremony to be held outdoors in the lush palace gardens and the reception to take place out on one of the big palace patios.
"Isn't Chi-chi supposed to be here?" asked Krillen, sitting down next to his brother and running his hand through his hair. Vegeta exhaled and leaned back against the back of the couch, "I don't really care Krillen. I have no concern to where she is right now"
"It's probably for the best anyway"
"Probably"
They sat in silence for a few minutes, until the door creaked open and the doorman stepped into the room, "they have arrived" he announced as he bowed to the two young Princes.
"Very well, show them through" Vegeta ordered.
A few more long minutes passes by, but eventually the door opened again and King Vegeta and Kahlia stepped through. Both Vegeta and Krillen stood to greet them.
"Sons!" the King threw his hands up in the air and loudly rejoiced the sight of his boys, "it has been to long"
"It's been 3 weeks father" Vegeta spat, he was less than impressed at his father's blatant lack of responsibility.
The King stepped back, obviously hurt by the harsh tone directed at him from his first-born child. Kahlia's hand found his and she gave it a gentle squeeze. She loved him, even if they didn't.
"Father, it's good to see you," Krillen said, stepping forward and holding out his hand, which the King shook, "you to Queen Kahlia"
"Please, just call me Kahlia, no need for formalities among friends"
Krillen shook his head, "If it's all the same to you, I'd really rather not"
"Oh," Kahlia blinked and numbly shook her head, "O…ok then, if you'd rather not"
Easily the King could see this was quickly turning into a very hostile environment, which was the last thing he wanted on his sons' big day.
"Vegeta," he smiled warmly at the boy in question, "lets not argue on today of all days. Kahlia and I are here to share this special day with you as your family, not to start an argument"
"Fine," Vegeta said, "it's good to see you both, please, make you self at home"
"Vegeta" he sighed.
"What?" Vegeta asked, his mood going from bad to worse, "I'm happy ok," he didn't sound at all convincing, "Now if you don't mind, I have a kingdom to run" he said, knowing full well it would hurt his father to hear it.
"I'm sorry, father" Krillen muttered as he chased his older brother out the room.
The King let out an exasperated sigh and sat himself down on the soft leather couch, a few seconds later Kahlia was by his side.
"I'm sorry" she said, taking his hand in hers.
"It's not your fault dear," he informed her.
"But I feel it is. I should have known your children would not accept us"
"No you shouldn't of. My boys will accept us in time, that I can assure you of, they are good men, they only need time to get over this latest news."
"And Chi-chi?" asked Kahlia.
The King said nothing for a very long time, "Chi-chi I am not so sure about. But lets not get worked up about that today," he said, putting on a smile and standing up, "today is a happy day. Today we celebrate the union of my son and Ms Briefs in holy matrimony!" he exclaimed.
Kahlia smiled brightly at him and stood up, "That's the spirit," she said, "What do you say we head upstairs and get ready?"
***
"Bianca" 18 cooed to her tiny niece. The little girl turned her head and looked up at 18 with a baby cute smile. 18 smiled and smoothed back Bianca's soft black hair.
"Tarie, you're so lucky" 18 thought out loud, she hadn't really intended on it actually coming out of her mouth though.
Beside her, Tarie had to laugh, "If you're idea of lucky is dirty diapers, getting woken up at 3 a.m and sore boobs, than yeah, I'm the luckiest woman on the planet"
"Well if you look at it like that" scoffed 18, handing the baby back to her mother. She stood up and walked across to the bedroom door, where she began to pound on it
"17, hurry up!" she called.
"I'm not coming out" the reply came from the other side. Looking over her shoulder, 18 raised an amused eyebrow at Tarie, "and why not?" she asked
"Because I look like an absolute tool"
18 had to laugh; "Now now brother dear, I'm sure you don't look like an absolute tool. Why don't you just open the door and let us have a look"
"I said no"
"Please" Tarie called
"No!"
"17, get you butt out here now!" 18 demanded, beginning to get agitated with her brother.
"You can't make me"
"No, but Vegeta breaking the door down and tearing your head from your shoulders can"
The door clicked open and 17 appeared in the doorway. 18 knew she had to stifle her laughter, or else her brother would go back into hiding and she would feel bad. But it was just so funny; that she couldn't help it when a spurt of laughter escaped from her tightly closed lips.
"That's it, I'm not doing this!" exclaimed 17 turning around and marching back into the bedroom.
"No 17, wait!" she said grabbing hold of 17's arm and pulling him back out the room.
"18, I feel so stupid" 17 groaned as he pulled from his sisters grip.
"You look stupid too!" Tarie called from the couch.
"Thanks a lot for your support sweetheart" 17 rolled his eyes and replied.
"Anytime," Tarie replied with a wink.
"Ok 17, it's time to get over it. You're not the only one who's going to be dressed like that, and besides it's Bulma's special day. After all she's done for you, I think you owe her this" 18 scolded him as she did up his bow tie.
"Fine," 17 reluctantly agreed. Looking down at his attire he groaned. He was well and truly convinced that he looked like a tool. Dressed in a black suit with a white shirt underneath and white shoes and worst of all, his hair back in a ponytail, he had never felt more stupid.
"I am so glad I do not have to participate in this" Tarie gloated from the other side of the room.
"Rub it in why don't you" 17 said with a scowl
"Aw, you look cute" she said, standing up and rocking her daughter gently in her arms.
18 looked down at her outfit and smiled wanly, at least hers wasn't so bad. A black skirt that fell to about halfway down her thighs and a short-sleeved white shirt, all toped of with a pair of black pumps. At least she didn't have to wear white shoes.
If it weren't for the stupid palace regulations that had been in place for hundreds of years, then she wouldn't be in this damn situation. The rules stated that as long as there were slaves in the palace and they were well enough to work, then they were expected to work. And since right now the kingdom didn't even have a King, there was no one to alter the rules, and even if there was, it would take many many weeks to pass it. It wasn't worth all the trouble for one day; they may as well just wear the stupid outfits for one day and be done with it.
Walking across the room, 17 kissed Tarie and scooped his daughter out of her arms. "Hello princess" he greeted her with a kiss on the forehead. Tarie watched on with a smile.
***
Krillen knocked on Vegetas bedroom door and waited. After a few minutes of nothing, he tried again. "Vegeta, hurry up"
"Alright!" came Vegeta's agitated reply from the other side of the door. Krillen sniggered as he adjusted the collar of his shirt. Then, out of nowhere, his vision disappeared.
"Wha!" he jumped at the sudden darkness "18, is that you?"
"Maybe it is" she replied
Krillen smiled and covered 18's soft hands with his own and removed them from his face. "What are you doing here?" he asked, turning around to face her.
"Just passing through" she said.
"You look great"
18 raised an eyebrow, "Ok, if you insist" she said.
"You really do"
"Maybe you should look a little closer. This outfit is less than flattering. I look like a stick in a uniform. It's hardly an attractive look"
"Well hey, I'm biased. I think you'd look beautiful in a garbage bag"
18 smiled, she wanted to kiss him, but here in a hall full of people, it was hardly a smart idea. She would prefer that the rest of the palace didn't find out about them. Chi-chi would probably kill her.
"I have to go" she said, "there are guests waiting to be seated"
"Ok then babe. I'll see you later"
"Tell Vegeta I said good luck. Not that he'll need it"
~
"Good afternoon sir, may I show you to your seat?" 18 asked, smiling brightly at Kakkarot.
"Hi 18. Isn't this exciting?"
Behind them, Mr. and Mrs. Son exchanged confused looks, why was Kakkarot associating with the help?
"It's very exciting" 18 replied as she led all 5 members of the son family down the isle to the seats in the second row from the front. Directly in front of them, sat the Royal family themselves. Kakkarot gulped, he prayed that Chi-chi wouldn't try anything today; she wouldn't stoop so low as to ruin Bulma and Vegeta's special day. Would she?
"Ah Bardok, Neha, so glad you could make it" the King said turning around in his seat.
"We wouldn't miss it" replied Neha with a smile.
It was a beautiful day, the wedding was being held outside and the sky was a beautiful blue and big fluffy white clouds floated overhead. The temperature was neither to hot, not to cold, it was just perfect, everything was just perfect.
In her seat, Chi-chi seethed. How dare everything be so perfect? She asked herself. How dare all the attention be focused on her worthless older brother and ex best friend? Beside her, sat her father, and beside him, Kahlia. She had once looked up to that woman. Not that long ago, she had considered her one of her closest female companions, now she wanted her to die. It wasn't hard to see that she was the reason their father had left them, left his people and his home. It was all her fault their planet had gone in to total chaos until her brothers had finally managed to get it under control. Not that they knew what they were doing anyway – the pathetic excuses for Sayians they were.
Not her, she was a model Sayian. A warrior, focused entirely on becoming stronger and improving ones physique, none of this emotional garbage. She didn't need that, once she thought she needed it, she had been that shallow. But now, now she saw the bigger picture. She didn't need anyone or anything.
Suddenly a hush fell over the ground, looking over her shoulder, and directly past Kakkarot, she caught sight of her two brothers walking up the isle. To her surprise, Vegeta walked straight over to her.
"Can I speak with you?" he asked
Chi-chi had to stifle a laugh; he looked like such a moron dressed in a full black tuxedo, tails and all as well as a pale blue corsage in his breast pocket. "What?" she asked, standing up and stepping away from the crowd. Right now, she wanted to be anywhere but here.
Vegeta took a step closer to her, an unmistakable glint in his eyes, "If you try anything today," he hissed, keeping his voice down so no one else would hear, "and I mean anything. I won't hesitate to snap you in half. Is that clear?" he threatened
"Oooh I'm so scared. Big scary Vegeta is going to hurt me" she sarcastically spat back at him.
"Listen here. I'm warning you, don't screw this up. If not for me, than for Bulma" he said, then walked away.
Chi-chi slumped back down into her seat, crossed her arms over chest and scowled deeply.
~
18 stood at the end of the long strip of white carpet that was acting as an isle with Nison. He had a funny kind of look in his eyes and it was making her uncomfortable. She hoped it didn't show on her face.
"So" Nison began, then trailed off not really knowing what to say next.
"What Nison?" 18 asked, not even looking at him, she was to busy making eyes at Krillen and seeing how much he would blush.
"Nothing" he replied.
18 tore her gaze from Krillen and turned to look up at Nison. Why was he so damn tall? "What? You obviously wanted to say something, what was it?"
"Nothing, don't worry. I have to go" he said, and very quickly walked off.
She was going to call out to him, tell him that he was not supposed to walking away from his job and that the wedding was going to start in 5 short minutes. But she decided against it. If he wanted to get him self in trouble, who was she to stop him?
~
"How long now?" asked Vegeta as he bounced from one foot to the other. He was nervous and fidgeting was his was of venting his stress.
Krillen pushed up his jacket sleeve and glanced at his wristwatch, "5 minutes" he replied.
"Jesus" Vegeta muttered to himself. Everyone had arrived now, at people were quietly chatting amongst them selves, waiting for the big event to begin.
Turning to the priest, Vegeta asked, "Are you all ready to go?"
The older man dressed in a white robe nodded, "yes Prince Vegeta, I am ready. All we need now is Ms. Briefs"
"Vegeta, I should go sit down" said Krillen shoving his hands into his jacket pockets and looking past the crowd at 18.
"No" argued Vegeta.
Krillen turned back to face his oldest sibling with a raised eyebrow, "why not?" he asked
"Because I want you to stand here with me, just until Bulma gets here"
Krillen had to smile; his brother was nothing more than a big softie in a hard shell. "You're that nervous?" he asked.
"I'm not nervous" Vegeta exclaimed lamely
"How stupid do you think I am Vegeta?" Krillen asked, "besides, if you weren't nervous today, I would be wondering what was wrong"
"Really?"
"Yes!" Krillen cried, "You're getting married today, if it were me, I'd be a nervous wreck!"
"You're a wimp" Vegeta sniggered.
"That's it! I'm sitting down"
~
"I don't think I can do this" Bulma fretted as she followed her mother down the empty palace halls. Mrs. Briefs stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face her daughter.
"Bulma, that is nonsense. Of course you can go through with this. You love Vegeta and he loves you."
"But…" Bulma begun but was cut off by Bunny
"No buts dear. You are going to go and get married, trust me, it will be perfect"
The duo continued down the halls and out into the garden when Dr. Briefs was waiting. As soon as he laid eyes on his daughter, he lost his breath. She looked stunning.
Taking her in a tight hug, he held his daughter for the last time before he would hand her over to another man to love.
"Shall we?" he asked, holding out his arm, Bulma linked hers through his and together they continued towards the section of the garden where the ceremony was being held.
Bunny ran on ahead so she could take her seat and inform Vegeta his bride to be was about to arrive, which she did and several minutes later the wedding march began to play. Before Vegeta even laid eyes on Bulma he could have sworn his heart stopped beating, so when he actually did see her, he was sure he had just died.
He was oblivious to everything going on around him as he watched her walk up the isle, clinging tightly onto her fathers arm. She was dressed in a strapless white ball gown that fell all the way to the ground and trailed on behind her. An opaque veil hung in front of her face, hiding her immaculately done make up. Never in all of his years had Vegeta seen a more beautiful sight than what was in front of him right now.
Before he knew it, Bulma was standing beside him. For a spilt second what to do next escaped him, but it quickly came back to him. Taking her soft hand in his, he lead her a few steps forward where they stopped in front of the warmly smiling priest.
"Ladies and gentlemen…" he began
~
For Bulma the ceremony passed in a blur, her world solely consisted of herself and Vegeta. She remembered to respond in all the right places but all she could really concentrate on was her hand wrapped tightly in Vegeta's.
Before she knew it, it was time to recite her vows. She repeated after the priest. "I Bulma, take Vegeta to be my lawfully wedded husband through sickness and in health, for richer or poorer and better or worse till death do us part" she looked Vegeta in the eyes as she spoke those most precious words, and noticed that they were shiny with tears, and in that moment, she had never loved Vegeta more than she did then.
She listened intently as he recited the same thing back to her, there was no traces of worry or doubt what so ever in his voice, he was sure about what he was doing and that made the sick feeling in Bulma's stomach just disappear. She knew she was doing the right thing now, nothing would change her mind.
"Would the rings please be presented?" asked the priest. Krillen took that as his cue and stood up, he produced 2 velvet boxes from his pocket and handed one to Bulma and the other to Vegeta.
"Vegeta, would you please repeat after me?" the priest prompted. "With this ring I thee wed"
"With this ring I thee wed," repeated Vegeta as he slipped the ring onto Bulma's dainty finger, it was a perfect fit and Bulma couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes.
Bulma repeated the same thing as she to slipped the ring onto Vegeta finger.
"Is there anyone who can see any good reason why these two should not be wed?" the priest asked the audience. Immediately, Bulma and Vegeta's heads snapped around to glare at Chi-chi, she only glared right back, but still kept her mouth shut.
"Well then, if no one can see any reason why this couple should not be joined together in holy matrimony," he stopped and looked directly at Bulma and Vegeta "I now pronounce you husband and wife!"
Bulma felt an overwhelming joy spread through her upon hearing those words and a huge smile broke out onto her face.
"You may kiss the bride"
Turning to face his new wife, Vegeta lifted back the veil, took Bulma's face in his hands and kissed her. Their first kiss as a married couple, and it was amazing. Everyone who was present got to their feet and clapped for the newly weds. When they eventually did pull away from each other and turn to face their happy guests, Bulma couldn't help jumping up and down like an excited schoolgirl. She was married to the man of her dreams, except this wasn't a dream, this was reality and it was the best reality she had experienced in a long time.
Slowly, they made their way down the isle, Vegeta shaking hands with everyone he went past, accepting their congratulations and well wishes with a smile. Bulma on the other hand, threw her arms around the neck of every person she came across, she felt like she was about to burst from pure joy.
Before long, it was her turn to greet King Vegeta.
"Bulma, you look stunning" he praised her.
Bulma didn't know exactly what to say, did she call him King or not, was he even the King anymore?
She opened her mouth to say something, what she wasn't exactly sure. But her new husband saved her. He came up behind her and greeted his father for her, "Father, glad you could make it" he said with a nod. Bulma got the feeling he didn't mean it. She knew nothing of the little meeting they had shared earlier that morning.
The King noticed the neither Bulma nor Vegeta were paying any attention to either him or Kahlia. Just making eyes at each other, so it was no surprise that neither of them noticed when they left.
"Woman, you look stunning" Vegeta complimented her.
"I'm not your woman Vegeta, I'm your wife" she smiled brightly upon saying those words.
Vegeta smiled as well, "That you are"
***
"That was so romantic" 18 said turning to face her brother.
17 only shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose so"
18 thumped him.
Today was shaping out to be a great day, even though she was working it wasn't so bad, things could have been worse. Bulma had gone to extreme lengths to make sure this day was as easy on the slaves as possible. All they had to do was wait on table during the reception and clean up afterwards. Compared to their usual days work, it was easy. 18 looked up from the doorway where she was standing. Guest were just beginning to file out on to the big and very elegantly decorated balcony, where Nison – among others, were showing them to their seats.
Someone coming up beside her caught her attention and she turned to face the new arrival.
"Hi Sachi. How you going with all this?" she asked.
"I'm totally lost! I have no idea where the hell I am meant to be!"
18 had to laugh, she remembered her first 'event' it was Chi-chi's 20th birthday, gosh, she must have served at least 30 things since then!
"Alright, come with me. I'll show you"
She led Sachi around the big open balcony, giving her a quick rundown of everything she could remember to tell her. "Now, when ever you are serving someone, always stand to the left of them, it's impolite and people often get confused. Don't ask people if they would like their drink refilled until everyone on the table has finished which ever course is being served, but if someone requests you refill their cup, do it. Always thank sir or madam after you have served them, and walked away silently. Don't make eye contact with the guest and don't watch them eat! I can't possibly stress that enough"
Sachi's eyes grew wide, how was she meant to remember all of this?! "Is that it?" she asked, "all I need to know?"
18 grinned and placed her hand on her young friends shoulder, "not by a long shot, but it'll do for now. If you need any help, I'll either be out here or in the kitchen. Don't hesitate to come find me"
"Thanks 18. I appreciate that" she said, her tail swinging back and fourth behind her as she spoke. It caught 18's attention and jolted her mind to another thing Sachi needed to know.
"Oh yeah," she said, grabbing hold of Sachi's tail "Wrap this around you waist unless you want it pulled off!"
The younger girl raised an eyebrow "That what happened to yours?" she asked slyly, having no idea as to the painful origin of 18's tail or lack there of.
"Hey, sis" 18 turned around hearing 17 calling her.
"Yeah?" she asked, reaching up and brushing some dust off his jacket "What's up?"
"Where is the Son family sitting? You seem to know everything there is to know about them, and I can't find their table anywhere"
18 rolled her eyes and looked towards the entrance to the balcony where sure enough Kakkarot and his family were standing patiently. "I'll go" she said wondering to herself why it was that men couldn't do anything.
"Welcome," she greeted them with a smile, "Would you please sign the guest book for the happy couple, then I shall show you to your seats"
"So 18, you having fun?" asked Kakkarot
"What do you think?" 18 replied bluntly as she lead Kakkarot to a table that had been reserved just for his family. She watched on with an amused smirk as he pulled a chair out for his mother and pushed it in for her. She wanted to tell him how much of a suck he was, but it would have been highly inappropriate.
"If you need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to call" 18 informed the Sons' then turned on her heel and headed towards the kitchen.
~
Chi-chi followed her bother, father and Kahlia – to a table almost right at the front of the room, just to the right of the dance floor. Soft, soothing music filled the air and the blue sky was beginning to turn beautiful oranges and pinks at the sun begun to set. Since the royal family was among some of the last to arrive, Chi-chi felt many pairs of eyes on her as she made her way to her seat.
They were all looking at her, she could feel them. All with their questioning glares, she did not have to answer to any of them; they had no right to even look at her. She was so much better that everyone in this room.
Especially him…
Kakkarot's family was seated directly opposite Chi-chi's family, but on the other side of the dance floor. From her seat, she had a perfect view of his stupidly happy face. Or a prefect aim at his head. Why was he smiling like that? What could he possibly be so happy about? He must have been discussing something funny with Turles because all of a sudden, he burst out laughing, several groups of people lifted their heads to see what all the commotions was, but quickly realized it was nothing and went back to the business.
Chi-chi continued her study of her ex. What had she ever seen in him? What had she ever seen in the whole idea of needing to feel loved? Love was highly over rated. Here right now, was the perfect example. She had to sit through a long boring ceremony listing to two people blabbing on about eternal bonds through sickness and health. Now here she was, having to pretend she actually gave a damn about if her brother was happy or not.
Blinking, she noticed the intent glare her father was giving her, but she chose to ignore it. She no longer considered that man a part of her life. He had left her and his people all because of this love shit. He had given up on years and years of Sayian pride and heritage for a woman that was at least 10 years younger than him, if not more. Once again, proof of how useless love was and how much it can screw you around.
Across the table, Krillen looked at his watch, then jumping out of his chair, realized he was late. He was going to be acting as the MC for the night's proceedings and his first job was to introduce the happy couple. If they had arrived yet that was.
Stepping inside off the balcony, he looked around and sure enough, there was his brother and his new wife pressed up against the wall locked in a deep kiss. Feeling slightly embarrassed, Krillen cleared his throat, effectively getting their attention.
"Congratulations guys!" he said with a smile. Wrapping her hands around Vegeta's neck, Bulma looked back at her friend, she was grinning from ear to ear, "Thanks Krillen" she replied.
"You ready to go outside?" he asked.
"No" Vegeta retorted as he tried to pull his bowtie loose, the damn thing felt like it was choking him. Bulma slapped his hand away though. "We're ready Krillen"
Walking back out onto the balcony, Vegeta walked to what had been dubbed the 'front' and adjusted the microphone stand to his height. Tapping the mic to make sure it was working, he waited until he had everyone's full attention before her begun. "Hello everyone, thank you all for joining us here tonight, I'm sure you all know me, Krillen and I'll be MCing here tonight. Now, without any further ado, may I be the first to introduce the newest couple to out family, my brother Vegeta and his new wife Bulma!"
Bulma and Vegeta walked hand in hand out onto the balcony to a standing ovation. Even Vegeta couldn't help breaking his usual rule of an emotionless façade by wearing a smile on his face. They arrived at a table especially for them where Vegeta helped his bride sit down then took the microphone off his younger brother to say a few words.
"Bulma and I would just like to thank you all for being here today, it really means a lot to us" he tired desperately to remember the speech Bulma had written him, he wasn't really the type to bother with this sentimental stuff, but the woman had insisted, "we hope that you will find this evening enjoyable and remember it for many years to come" he said, then sat down next to Bulma again
Conversations resumed throughout the gathering, almost all the woman commenting on how beautiful Bulma looked in that very expensive gown. She must have been the envy of every woman there, she looked like a princess – which now she rightfully was, who was married to the ultimate prince charming who would love and protect her in his own special way forever and ever. And Vegeta had to be the envy of every single man on the balcony, he had married one of the most beautiful, smart, perky woman on the planet and she would surely bring him many years of happiness.
~
As the night progressed, 18 found herself spending less time working, and more time standing in the corner of the room with Krillen. No one knew Krillen even knew who 18 was, let alone was deeply in love with her. So for the King, watching his youngest son flirt like crazy with the pretty blond woman came as a complete shock. Was it only innocent flirting? Was he trying to lead her on? Or was he genuinely interested in her?
The King was about to intervene, but the cool calmness of Kahlia stepped in, stopping him from doing something he would regret later. God knew he didn't need to push his kids any further away.
"Vegeta, leave him be. He's a grown boy"
"I know, but…she is not of his class, it goes against all Sayian laws"
"Does it not also go against Sayian laws to love outside your race?"
He stopped, perfectly unable to argue with that. "But Kahlia, my dear-" Kahlia cut him off
"But nothing. Leave him. You'll only embarrass him and he'll shut you out even more."
Across the table, Chi-chi also saw what was going on. Her mouth hung open in shock, how had this gone on right under her nose, and for how long had it been going on? This was not acceptable, and she would not tolerate it. Just because her services had not been required as of late, did not change the fact that Chi-chi still owned 18. She was merely her possession, and Chi-chi would not allow others to touch what belonged to her.
Pushing herself up from the table, she stalked across the room, cutting right through the many happy couples on the dance floor, in order to get to Krillen and 18 as quickly as possible. Her little rampage quickly caught the attention of 3 men in the room, who all looked at each other, then back to Chi-chi to see what she would do next.
18 didn't even notice Chi-chi storming towards her until it was far to late, she only just had time to shove Krillen out of the way of his irate sisters fist. Once he realized what was going on though, he quickly jumped into action.
"Chi-chi, what are you doing?" he demanded quietly, jumping in between his sister and 18.
"How. Dare. You" she hissed at him, "how dare you lay your filthy hands on my property. 18 belongs to me!"
"18 does not belong to anyone. Go sit down Chi-chi."
"How dare you tell me what to do!"
Suddenly, a 3rd person entered into the argument, one that no one wanted to mess with.
"Chi-chi. Get your ass back in your friggen seat and don't mess with me"
Even Chi-chi gulped at the deadly tone in her older brothers voice. "Y-you can't make me" she chocked out.
"Wanna bet?" he threatened taking a step towards her.
"You wouldn't dare hit me"
Krillen felt behind him but 18 was gone, she must have snuck off while no one was paying attention to her. He always knew she was a smart one.
"Vegeta…" Krillen tried to get his older brothers attention, "Vegeta are you listening to me?"
"What Krillen?" he asked, never taking his eyes off his more than irritating sister
"Don't start something bro, this is your wedding day" he said, the tone in his voice clearly warning Vegeta not to do anything stupid.
Taking a deep breath, Vegeta backed down from Chi-chi "You're right Krillen, I'm not going to reduce myself to that level. Unlike you Chi-chi, I actually have some self respect"
Chi-chi didn't reply, she was using different tactics to intimidate her older brother, staring him down with her dark eyes. It however, didn't seem to be working, because he only retaliated with an even more icy glare.
Krillen sighed deeply, his sibling were acting like 2 year olds, that's why Krillen was somewhat relieved when he noticed his father and Kahlia walking across the balcony, perhaps they would be able to sort those two out.
~
"Hey, 18" Bulma called out, waving to her friend who was currently busing a table. She quickly finished up her job, and then came over to the table where Bulma was sitting.
"What are you doing sitting all alone on your wedding day?" she asked, shaking her head.
Bulma shrugged her shoulder, "I was hoping you could tell me" she said pointing across the room, "Do you know what's going on over there?"
18 looked over her shoulder where she saw the King, his 3 children and Kahlia standing near the door, then – they all headed inside the building. Looking back to Bulma, 18 too, shrugged. "I have no clue?"
"Sit down" Bulma offered, patting the seat where Vegeta has been sitting.
18 accepted the offer; glad to be off her feet for a few minutes. "You look so beautiful"
Bulma blushed, "aw thanks. I'm sure when you and Krillen get married you'll look a whole lot better though"
"Yeah right," 18 sniggered "somehow I can't see Krillen wanting to marry me"
"Why not?"
18 didn't answer, instead she completely changed the subject "so, how's it feel to be a princess?"
Bulma was quite for a few minutes before she replied, "Oh my god," she sounded worried.
"What?"
"Chi-chi is my sister-in-law!"
~
"What do you want father?" Vegeta asked, "I'd like to get back outside"
"Kahlia and I would like to speak with you"
"Why'd you leave us papa?" asked Chi-chi, sounding like a 10 year old, "Why'd you leave me?"
"We didn't leave you dear" replied the King
"What are you talking about? For once the wench is actually right. That's exactly what you did. You left us with no idea where the hell you had gone, no clue as to when or even if you planned on coming back and absolutely no warning that we were going to need to be running the whole god damn kingdom!" Vegeta said, raising his voice considerably in his rage.
"Calm down, Vegeta"
"Why should I?"
"Vegeta, please" Kahlia pleaded.
He flashed her a why-should-I-listen-to-you glare, but still, said no more. He knew better than to speak back to a lady, unless of course she was his sister.
"Please, can we stop bickering? This is important" the King pleaded with his children.
"Fine, whatever" Vegeta replied nonchalantly, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall.
"Go ahead" offered Krillen, as usual acting as the member of the family that actually though before they opened their mouth.
"Kahlia and I…." He trailed off thought about it, then started again. "I'm sure you can all figure out where I have been these past 3 weeks. But I'm not sure you understand why I've been there"
"We weren't born yesterday. It doesn't take a genius to work out that you left us because you're screwing her" Chi-chi sneered.
Kahlia flinched at the harsh words and a look of white-hot rage spread across the Kings face.
"Chi-chi! I will not have you talk about either Kahlia or myself in such a way! Is that absolutely clear?!"
"Don't you think for a second that you can tell me what I can and cannot do"
"Chi, I am your father, I own you! Now you will either clean up your act, or I will do something you will live to regret!" he boomed, his cheeks turning red.
"Vegeta, calm down, please you'll make yourself sick" Kahlia warned him, talking hold if his hand and stepping close to him. She then directed her attention to Vegeta, Chi-chi and Krillen. "Now, if you don't mind, you father was trying to tell you something.
"Yes, well, I was hoping you would all be able to take this news like the mature adults you are, but it seems that you are not going to like what I have to say so I'll just get it over with. Kahlia and I have married" he announced.
There was a stunned silence from the 3 children; it was Krillen who found his voice first, "What?" he asked, sounding absolutely stunned, "You're kidding right?"
"No, he is not kidding" Kahlia replied, sounding very unimpressed at the children's attitudes
"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Vegeta, he pain in his voice obvious, he hadn't released that his father was ready to move on from their mother knew. God knew he wasn't.
"I'll admit, my plan wasn't as well thought out as it should be, and for that I am sorry. But I am not sorry for what I did. I believe in my heart that I have done the right thing, and I know that in time, you will come to believe that to"
"So, are you coming back to Vegeta-sei?" Krillen asked, keeping his gaze intently fixed on the floor. If he had of looked up, he would have seen his father shaking his head, "I'm afraid not, I'm making planet Bindoon my permanent residence from now on"
"You can't do that!" Protested Vegeta, fire burning in his eyes as he spoke "Who the hell is going to run the planet?"
"I was hoping I could speak to you about that, son"
Vegeta knew where this was going, and he refused. "No. No way in hell am I taking over that job! Get Nappa to do it, because I refuse. I am not being the King!"
"Son.." he started
"Don't you son me," Vegeta snarled, "you gave up that right when you left us. Now if you don't mind, I'll be getting back to my wife"
"I'm outta here," Chi-chi muttered, walking off down the hall, undoubtedly to lock herself in her room for another 3 weeks.
That left, the King, Kahlia and Krillen. It was a very awkward and uncomfortable silence, it was Krillen who spoke first, "Sorry about that, you know what those two are like. Vegeta will calm down, let Bulma talk to him first before you try again though" he said, then headed back out to the party.
The King shook his head and rubbed his temple, "I'm sorry you had to see that, dear" he apologized to Kahlia.
"It had to come out eventually. It could of gone worse"
"I doubt it. My children hate me!"
"They don't hate you. They are hurt and confused. Give them time"
"I don't know what to do"
"How about we just go outside, site down, and enjoy your sons wedding day"
A small smile tinged the Kings depressed features as he took Kahlia into a brief embrace. "Sound like a plan to me"
***
A/N: Well, what did you all think? A review would be very much appreciated. I really hope you all enjoy these last few chapters of the story, as I'm working as hard as I can to make them special for you all. Please please please tell me what you think and I'll have the next chapter out soon ok!
~D.B