Disclaimer; I don't own DBZ…I own lots of DBZ related products though.
A/N; Here we go, sorry for the wait guys, but this is getting so close to the end that I'm kinda avoiding posting chapters because I really don't want this story to be over…Well, I decided that it was well and truly time I gave you the next installment, so here it is! Tell me what you think, ok!
And Then You'll Know
Chapter 44
17 quietly hummed a tune to himself as he changed Bianca's diaper; she lay on the changing table, a wide smile on her perfect little face.
"Bianca," he cooed his daughter's name. She turned her head and looked up at him, her bright green eyes sparkling with innocent life, "Daddy loves you" he bent down and planted a kiss on her tiny cheek.
He found it hard to believe that he had been a father for a whole month, that the miracle that was his daughter had been in his life for a whole 30 days. Every morning when he woke up he thanks the gods above for letting him have Tarie and Bianca, the two most precious things he had ever laid eyes on. Without them, 17 didn't know what he would do.
Picking Bianca up, he held her close to his chest and turned around. Tarie was standing at the kitchen counter, her back facing him, stirring a bowl of something. Another thing 17 had learned about his better half since they had been living up here. Tarie was an amazing cook. Neither of them looked like they consisted entirely of skin and bone anymore, nothing in 17's life could be any more perfect.
"17" Tarie called over her shoulder, never once breaking her stirring chain. 17 walked across the room and into the small kitchen where he stood beside his lover. "Yes?" he asked.
"Taste this" Tarie held a spoon to his lips.
Nodding his head, 17 smiled, "That's really good" he said, "What is it?"
"Well, when it's finished cooking, it will be a chocolate and vanilla cake"
"Come on missy," Tarie said, lifting Bianca out of her father's arms and placing her over her shoulder, "it's bath time for you". She began to walk away, but 17 took hold of the back of her shirt, pulled her back and kissed her.
"What was that for?" she asked once they parted
"No reason"
"Ok then" nodded Tarie, and kissed him again.
17 eventually let Tarie go and bathe their daughter, and he was just about to pour himself a glass of water when there was a knock at the door.
"Can you get that 17?" called Tarie from the bathroom
"I'm way ahead of you" he replied as he pulled open the door. "Hey sis," he greeted 18 with a smile, "What are you so happy about?"
Stepping into the apartment, 18 couldn't wipe the smile off her face. "I have some great news" she said, happiness radiating from her every word.
"Well, what is it?" 17 asked, he had always hated suspense.
Without a word, 18 held out her hand, to reveal the sparking engagement ring that was resting there.
17's eyes grew wide in shock. "He didn't did he?"
18 nodded, "he did" she almost squealed.
"18!" 17 cried joyously. Wrapping his arms around his sister, he lifted her clear off the ground and spun her around in a circle. "Congratulations!"
"Thank-you" she said, still grinning like an idiot.
"When did this happen?"
"Last night"
"Is Tarie around?" 18 asked, looking around the small room, obviously wanting to share her good news with her best friend.
"Yeah, I'll go get her"
She watched as 17 went into the bathroom, and a few seconds later, Tarie came out.
"Hey, what's up? Wow, 17 was right, you do look happy. I hear you have something to tell me" she said with a smile.
18 nodded her head, but said nothing.
"Well, spit it out" Tarie said, wanting to be in on 18's happiness.
"Krillen proposed!"
Tarie's face lit up and she took her friend in a tight embrace. "Oh my gosh. I am so happy for you, for both of you!"
18 held out her hand again to let Tarie get a look at the ring.
"That's amazing, 18. I bet it cost Krillen an absolute fortune"
"I didn't ask"
"So, were you totally shocked? Or did you have an idea it was coming"
"Nu uh. He just popped the question and I totally freaked. I gave him this lecture on why I couldn't marry him and telling him that he didn't really want to marry me"
Tarie snorted with laughter. "I bet you gave him quite a scare"
"Yeah. Anyway, I came around. And this morning it finally sunk in, and I just can't stop smiling"
"I'm so happy for you 18. I can't think of anyone who deserves this more than you do"
***
Krillen punched relentlessly at the air, it had been at least a fortnight since his last training session, so he really needed to make this one count. Still, there was only so much training one could do when they couldn't get their fiancée of their mind.
He was totally whipped by her, and after the scare she had given him the night before he was even more grateful to have her. Not a minute went by when she wasn't on his mind, and he loved it.
Suddenly, the robotic female voice of the G.R's began speaking, scaring the wits out of Krillen and causing a Ki ball meant for training droid to go smashing into the wall. Looking around, Krillen spotted his brother peering in through the small circular window in the door.
Just as he landed on the ground, Vegeta pulled open the door. "What can I do for you?" Krillen asked as he picked up his towel.
"We need to talk"
"Ok, just give me a few minutes to freshen up. I'll meet you in the sitting room in say, 10?"
~
15 minutes later Krillen walked into the Royal Families sitting room, where Vegeta was already waiting for him. "Hi" he greeted him with a smile
"Hello" Vegeta replied leaning back in his chair.
Krillen sat down opposite Vegeta, and looked him straight in the eyes. "So, what's up?" he asked
"I have an offer for you," he replied, "It's a big offer so you need to take it seriously"
"Since when do I not take thing seriously?"
"You right. Well, as you know, I'm not taking the throne. Father will probably hate me forever because of it, but as far as I see it, this has nothing to do with him. I don't think I'm the right person for the job of King, but I think that you Krillen, are"
Krillen blinked, then blinked again. "What?" he asked.
"I'm offering you the throne. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more or who would be a better ruler for our people than you"
"Vegeta…" he stopped for a minute as he thought over what had just been said. "You're kidding right?"
"Since when do I kid about anything?"
"But…but why? I'm only 20. You deserve to be King, not me"
"No Krillen. You were meant to do this, not me"
"Well…" he trailed off, deep in thought – as he well should be. His mind was going 10 hundred miles a minute. What the hell had just happened here? Was this real or was it a dream, he didn't know quite what to make of it. What would 18 think? Would she want to be Queen? Probably not, but this really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"Oh, and by the way," Vegeta said, snapping him out of his musings "congratulations on your engagement"
Krillen looked confused. "How the hell did you find out about that?" he asked with a grin.
"The woman" Vegeta replied nonchalantly.
"And she found it out from…?"
"The woman who had the baby"
"Tarie. And who did she hear it from?"
"18"
Krillen shook his head and smiled, so much for keeping it quite. Now that Bulma knew, it would only be a matter of hours until the entire palace knew.
Looking back to his older brother, Krillen got back to the real issue, "I'll have to talk it over with 18. But assuming she okay's it. I would consider taking the role, on one condition"
"And what would that be?"
"You would be my right hand man. There is no way I could possibly run and entire Kingdom by myself, and we have been doing a pretty good job there past few weeks. I couldn't do it without you, Vegeta"
A small smile tinged Vegeta's lips, and to think, before they went to Namek, they couldn't stand each other. "That sounds like one hell of a plan"
"Well then," Krillen stood up, "I believe I need to go have a chat with my fiancée"
"Don't bother" Vegeta informed him.
"Why not?" Krillen asked, raising an eyebrow
"The woman took her shopping"
***
"Bulma, are you sure this is ok. Slaves are not allowed outside the palace walls. It's penalty of death you know"
Bulma pulled her pink convertible into an empty parking space and climbed out. "Don't worry about it 18. Everything will be fine, now lets go shopping"
"I have no money"
"18 don't worry, it's on me"
18's eyes lit up. How could someone not like the idea of going on a wild shopping spree with somebody else's money?
"Now," Bulma warned her as they walked towards the shopping strip, "There are always photographers around here, and they seem to love a Royal scandal, you'll probably get your picture snapped a few times, but just ignore them and keep going"
"Ok" 18 said, still not comfortable with the whole idea of being outside the palace. Though once they walked into the first store, all of that was quickly forgotten and her natural shopping instincts kicked in.
~
"18 how about this?" Bulma said tapping 18 on the shoulder. 18 turned around and smiled, eyeing the knee length white dress, "It'll be perfect for lounging around by the pool"
"You're right" 18 agreed, "but does it come in my size?"
"Yeah, this one is your size. And speaking of the pool, we need to find you some swimsuits"
"We are definitely going to have to do this more often" 18 said with a smile. She walked across the store and picked up a pale pink bikini, "how about this one?" she asked
"That is so cute" said Bulma, walking over to join her friend, "and it would look cool with this over the top. She held up a denim mini skirt and a pink singlet top.
They continued on that way for quite some time, buying anything and everything that took their fancy – which was a very large amount, but eventually, they decided that enough was enough and that it was time to stop and get some food. They walked into a small café and took a seat as far away from any windows as possible.
"So," Bulma said, putting all her shopping bags on the ground beside her, "How's it feel to be engaged?"
"How's it feel?" 18 asked, really having no idea
"Yeah"
"Well it feels…I don't really know how it feels"
"Think of it this way," Bulma said with a smile, "You're going to be a princess"
Suddenly, a thought dawned on 18 and she buried her head in her hands and groaned.
"What?" asked Bulma.
"I'm gonna be related to Chi-chi" 18 mumbled through her hands.
Bulma had to laugh, "welcome to my world"
***
"Ah, you must be from the medical center" King Vegeta greeted a man and a woman who were smartly dressed in black business attire by shaking each of their hands.
"Yes, that's correct" the lady informed him, "We are here to see your daughter"
"Of course you are," he began as he led them from the front parlor of the palace and up the stairs.
As the King led the two psychiatrists down the palace halls, a million thought were running through his head. How would Chi-chi react to these people? Would she try and kill them? Would she kill them? Or what if they found something seriously wrong with his only daughter? He wasn't quite sure what he would do.
They soon arrived at Chi-chi's bedroom; as usual the door was locked. The King knocked gently and took a step back, this thoughts wandering to just where his wife could have gotten to.
"What?" came an agitated cry from the other side of the door.
"Chi-chi dear, it's your father. May I come in?"
"Get lost!"
"Chi-chi" his voice was a little more demanding this time.
Sure enough, noises could be heard from the other side of the door and a few seconds later, the door swung open.
"Who are they?" Chi-chi asked bluntly.
"Chi-chi, they're here to help you"
"Who are they?" she repeated her question
The lady stepped forward; she was very pretty and smiled kindly at Chi-chi. "My name is Adi, it's lovely to meet you Princess Chi-chi. This is my college, Wei" she pointed to the man standing beside her, who also flashed Chi-chi a friendly grin.
"What do you want?" she asked, still sounding very skeptical towards the 2 strangers.
"We'd just like to come in and have a chat with you, that is if it's ok with you of course" the man informed her
"Whatever, I don't really care" she said turning around and heading back into the dark room.
"King Vegeta, once we have finished your daughters assessment, we will need to speak with you. Where will we be able to find you?" the lady asked.
"I'll be just down the hall, in the sitting room"
"Ok great," she said, then followed her partner into Chi-chi's room and closed the door.
~
"Can we sit down, Chi-chi?" Adi asked as she took a pen and a clipboard out of her bag.
"Do whatever you want" Chi-chi replied she lay herself down on her big unmade bed.
"Do you mind if we open the window? Let in some light" suggested Wei
"The window stays shut" Chi-chi warned, the tone in her voice just daring anyone to argue with her. Adi instantly scribbled something down on her clipboard.
"Can I ask you a question?" Wei asked as he moved some things off a chair and sat on it.
Chi-chi shrugged her shoulders, "suppose so"
"How do you feel about your older brothers marriage?"
Chi-chi snorted and looked up at the ceiling "He's a jackass and she's a wench, they deserve each other"
"That's a bit harsh don't you think?" Adi piped up, as she continued to write on her clipboard.
"No, it's the truth. I hope they both die"
"Ok then, everyone is entitled to their own opinion I suppose"
"Chi-chi, how long has it been since you came out of this room?" asked Adi
"Since my stupid brothers stupid wedding"
"And how long ago was that?"
"3 days"
"And before that, how long had you been in here.
"I dunno, like a month"
Again, she took notes.
"What about 18?" Wei asked, leaning forward on his chair, "is it true you beat her?"
"Yeah, so what? She's my slave and I can beat her if I want. If I had my way, I'd rip her ugly head right off her shoulders"
Both Adi and Wei looked up in shock, "Don't you feel any remorse, after you hit her? When she does so much for you?"
"No, why should I? Beating her makes me feel good, and lets her know where she stands. Why do you care anyway?"
"Adi and myself are psychiatrist, your father asked us to came and talk with you."
"What!" Chi-chi sat up in shock, "How dare he! How dare he think he has the right to suddenly come waltzing back into my life and act like everything is just like it was before he left!"
"What do you mean?"
"My father and his stupid wife. She ruined everything. Kakkarot ruined everything. 18 ruined everything. Everyone is against me! They are all out to get me!"
"No one is out to get you Chi-chi" Wei tried to sooth her, but it was futile
"Yes they are. Everyone has something against me, and I never did anything wrong. Ever since they came back from Namek they have changed"
"No one has changed Chi-chi" said Adi
"What would you know" Chi-chi snapped.
"Well, I think we've done just about enough talking for today wouldn't you say?" Wei asked his partner.
"Yes," she agreed with a nod of the head, "Thank you very much for you time Chi-chi, we are going to go and speak with you father, then we'll let you know what's going on ok"
"What do you mean?" Chi-chi asked
"We'll be back in just a little while ok"
~
The two associates walked down the hall, following the Kings directions they found their way to the sitting room. Upon walking in, the discovered that the King wasn't alone. There was a pretty woman with pale pink hair sitting beside him, and the two were quietly chatting amongst themselves.
Wei cleared his throat and the pair looked up. "Back so soon." The King commented as he stood, "please, take a seat"
Both Wei and Adi took seats opposite the King and looked at him with matching somber expressions.
"This is Kahlia, my wife. Please tell us what you know about Chi-chi" asked the King, even though he could already tell it wasn't going to be good.
Adi looked down at her clip bored before she replied. "From what we can tell from this initial conference, your daughter is in great need of psychological assistance. She is showing severe signs of depression which if untreated could lead to something such as Bulimia and or Anorexia. I also believe she is suffering from an acute case of Avoidant Personality Disorder" she explained.
Both Kahlia and the King wore identical clueless expressions on their faces. "Excuse me?" asked Kahlia, "What is that?"
"APD is an extreme fear of rejection. It varies from each individual, but in Chi-chi's case I would class her in the extreme zone. In the past 10 minutes we spent with her, she exhibited 7 of the 8 signs of APD, all of which she demonstrated at a high level. If it goes unattended to, Chi-chi is heading towards a major nervous breakdown within the next 6 months" Adi continued, trying to break the news to the two concerned people sitting across from her.
"What can be done about it? Is there any medication she can take?"
This time, it was Wei who responded "Medication can be administered, but it must be done so under careful supervision. Also, the medication alone will have no effect, for Chi-chi to make a full recovery, she will need intensive counseling and therapy, which unfortunately, cant be carried out here in the palace"
"Pardon?" asked the King, not liking what he was hearing at all.
"What we're saying is, the only way we can treat your daughter is to bring for in for a minimum 6 month stay at Oakridge Mental Facility. After that she will be assessed again and depending on her improvements, be allowed to come back home"
"There is nothing else that can be done?"
"Sir," Wei explained, "If Chi-chi doesn't go to the hospital, she is going to end up dead. It is in her best interest for you to sign these forms, admitting her into the hospital" he said, handing several pieces of paper to the King.
"Chi-chi is of age though, shouldn't she be signing these herself?" Kahlia asked
Adi shook her head, "it is against the law for mentally disturbed people to admit themselves in. As her father it is your legal responsibility to sign her in"
Picking up the pen, it shook in his hand, he was about to press it to the paper and sign his name when he stopped, "This is not to get out, understand? If the press hear one word of this you will be sued so fast you wont know what hit you"
"I can assure you King Vegeta, all our patients details are strictly confidential"
Nodding his head to show he understood, he scribbled his signature onto the paper, then breathed a sigh of relief. Finally Chi-chi would be getting the help she so sorely needed.
***
"So, did you hear the news?"
"What news?"
"About my sister"
"Oh that news. Yeah, I heard"
17 leaned back against the wall and smiled. It was a great day outside and he was happy. Beside him, Nison sat, looking much less impressed with the world.
"What?" 17 asked giving him an odd look, "are you not happy for my sister?"
"No, no" Nison tipped his head back and looked up at the sky. "I'm happy for her man, it's just…" he trailed off.
"You like her, don't you?"
"What?"
"You like my sister. Nis, I don't blame you, I know that she's beautiful, and I know that any guy would be amazingly lucky to have her"
"She's more than beautiful 17. I would do anything to have her, even just for one day" Nison said with a sigh.
Spinning around, 17 looked his friend directly in the eyes, "Don't" he pleased with him.
"Huh?"
"Don't do or try anything with my sister. She deserves more than anything else, to be happy, and Krillen makes her happier than you or I could ever possibly could. Please, don't take that away from her Nison"
"But what about me?"
"Would taking 18 away from anything that ever meant anything to her really make you happy?" 17 asked seriously.
"Your right man, I don't know what I was thinking," Nison was quite for a few minutes, then a bright smile settled on his lips, "I'm really happy for you sister" he said. And he was, he genuinely was.
***
"Krillen!" Krillen jumped and spun around. His eyes lighting up at what he saw. Kakkarot was stampeding down the corridor, getting many odd looks, which of course, he totally ignored.
"Kakkarot!" Krillen called back in reply. He was about to say something else, but Kakkarot got with in an arms reach of him and took him in a big hug.
"What's all this about?" Krillen asked, forcing himself out of Kakkarot's grip
"I heard the news. It's so great!"
"News?" Krillen asked "what news"
"About you and 18 silly"
"Oh that news. Yeah, it's great," said Krillen with a big bright smile." How'd you find out about that anyway?"
"Well, Bulma told her mother, who told the woman who made Bulma's wedding dress. Well, she knows the palace gardener quite well so she told him, and he's married to the woman who does my mothers nails, so she found out through her, and naturally my mother told me" Kakkarot explained. It was probably one of the most complicated things that had ever come out of his mouth
"Right" Krillen slowly drew the word. "So anyway," he changed the subject, "what brings you here?"
"Well, I heard the news and I just had to come over and give my best wishes to you and 18"
"I have an idea. Do you want to join us for dinner? Bulma and Vegeta are eating with us as well. Should be fun"
"You sure?"
"Yeah, of course I am"
"Alright then, thanks for offering"
Soon, Kakkarot and Krillen could hear two voices off in the distance, as they got closer they were distinguishable as Bulma and 18 and sure enough, a few seconds later they rounded they corner. Both carrying about a million shopping bags.
"Ah Kakkarot, hi!" called Bulma happily as she approached the men and threw an arm around Kakkarot's neck, "great to see you. And Krillen," she planted a kiss on his cheek, "I couldn't be any happier for you!"
Krillen blushed at Bulma's greeting; he could hear 18 laughing at him and turned to look at her, only to almost die.
She was wearing real clothes. Finally she had been shed off her horrible black skirt and white shirt and given something that fit her properly and looked good. She was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a blue singlet top. It was so simple, but took Krillens breath away.
"You like?" he heard her ask.
"That's the understatement of the century" he said as he took her in his arms and kissed her.
"Well, sorry to separate you two love birds, but 18 and I are going to go and freshen up for dinner, and since I assume you invited Kakkarot, I suggest you boys go find my husband and get ready as well"
***
"Chi-chi, dear. I promise you, this is all for the best" the King placed a hand on her shoulder, but not only did she push it off, but powered up a Ki ball and attempted to throw it at him.
"All for the best? You're send my away to a crazy home. I'm not crazy!" Chi-chi shrieked at the top of her lung.
"No, you're not crazy dear. Not at all. You're just…think of it as a holiday. You're going to come home in 6 months feeling like a whole new person"
"Chi-chi, would you like me to help you pack your bags?" offered Kahlia.
"You! Get out of my site, before I kick your head off!" Chi-chi threatened.
Next it was Adi who stepped forward. "Chi-chi, I know this seems scary and unfair, but think of all the special attention you are going to get at Oakridge. I just know everyone there will love you, and there is so much there for you. We have a swimming pool, cafeteria, a recreation room, you'll have your own private bedroom. So what do you say? I'll help you get packed if you like"
Taking a step back, Chi-chi glared at her father and Kahlia. "How could you do this to me?" she asked, all fierceness from her voice, now gone
"You'll thank me when you are better Chi"
"I have no choice but to go, do I?" she asked
"Of course you do. But trust me, it's for your own good"
She was quite for a few minutes. Turning her gaze away from the group a long sigh escaped her lips. "Fine. Send me away, I don't care anymore"
"Chi-chi, it's not like that"
"Yes it is," she cut in on her father before he had a chance to finish his sentence.
"Alright then. We'll leave you to pack"
"We should be about 30 minutes," Adi told the King.
King Vegeta and Kahlia stepped out of Chi-chi's room, and straight away, a tear slipped down his cheek.
"Oh hey…hey it's alright" Kahlia said, wrapping her husband in an embrace, "you did the right thing"
Sniffing back his tear, he regained his composure, "I suppose we should go and tell the boys then" he suggested.
"I think that would be best," agreed Kahlia, then looked down at her watch. "They'll be having dinner now"
***
The room was loud with chatter. Bulma and 18 were engaged in a deep conversation about their shopping adventure earlier that day, something the men at the table found very uninteresting. Their conversations were many and varied, and at times got quite loud as a topic that one of them was quite passionate about was brought up.
Right now, Vegeta was having his turn to be loud; debating with Kakkarot and Krillen that sparring was more effective alone rather than with someone. After letting him rant and rave for almost five minutes, Bulma couldn't stand it anymore and decided to calm him down.
"Vegeta, calm down" she said, placing her hand on his lower arm.
"Woman," he sounded aggravated.
"What? You're going to burst a blood vessel or something if your not careful"
"No I wont" he stated defiantly
"Stop it Vegeta. It's important to spar both alone and with a partner ok. End of story"
Vegeta seemed content with that answer, since it resulted in him being neither right nor wrong and soon the subject was once again changed. Turning back to 18, Bulma smiled. "Honestly," she said, "men are more trouble than they are worth"
His ear picking up on the last part of the sentence, Krillen turned to face the girls, "that's not true" he said with a pout.
"Is so" argued Bulma.
"Now now Bulma. Some guys are worth the trouble" 18 said, not looking at Bulma, her gaze was fixed intently on Krillen.
Shaking her head, Bulma smiled and looked up at the ceiling. Suddenly, everything around her went quiet. Looking around, she noticed everyone was looking behind her, so twisting her torso around, she to, had a look behind her, and saw the King and his wife making their way across the room.
Both Krillen and Vegeta stood up and greeted their father. "It's alright boys, sit down"
They did as they were told. Under the table 18 sought Krillens hand and gave it a squeeze. Had the King found out about their engagement? Did he even know they were a couple?
"We need to talk. I have something to tell you all" he said, getting right to the point
"All of us?" asked Bulma.
"Yes, that's what I said isn't it. It's concerning Chi-chi"
"Chi-chi? Is she alright?" Kakkarot asked. He may not have loved her anymore, but he still wanted to know she was ok.
"That's what we need to talk to you about. Earlier today, she was given a psychological examination by two of Vegeta-seis most respected psychiatrists and they have come up with quite a sever prognosis"
"Really?" asked Krillen, "what?"
"They have said if she doesn't get the help she needs in the next six months, there is no hope for her"
"As opposed to her having any hope now?" Vegeta asked sarcastically
"Vegeta" Bulma hissed at him and hit him in the arm. He was quite after that.
"What's going to happen to her?" Kakkarot asked
"As we speak, she is packing her bags and soon she will be heading off to Oakridge Mental Facility for a six months stay"
Around the table, everyone's jaws dropped open. Was this true? Were their ears deceiving them? Was Chi-chi going to leave them alone once and for all?
"She'll be leaving in about 20 minutes. I think you should do her the courtesy of seeing her off" Kahlia spoke up for the first time.
"Are you sure that's what she would want?" asked Krillen.
"Regardless of whether she wants it or not, it's the right thing to do"
Bulma nodded in agreement, "We'll be there"
After that, the King and Kahlia left and there was a whole different mood in the room. No one knew exactly what to say about this newest news. It was a huge shock to everyone that something had finally been done about Chi-chi declining state of mind.
"Well," it was Bulma who spoke up first, "this is quite an interesting development"
"You could say that" Vegeta agreed with his wife of 2 days.
18 was still holding on tightly to Krillens hand. Everyone else may have been in shock. But she felt like she was about to burst from pure joy. Chi-chi was gone! She was free once and for all! No more impossibly hard work and severe beating. Just a life with Krillen and her friends! For the first time in as long as 18 could remember, things were going her way.
Turning to face her fiancée, she smiled. It probably wasn't the most appropriate emotion to be displaying, but she didn't care. Krillen took his free hand she wrapped it around her neck. "Congratulations babe" he whispered into her ear.
***
"Are you ready to go Chi-chi?" Adi asked as she pushed her hair back off her face.
"No, but I don't think I'm going to be getting any readier"
"Chi-chi, this isn't going to be as bad as you are imagining it to be" Adi tried to reassure her.
"Yes it is"
"Oakridge is a lovely place. You'll make lots of friends there and before you know it, you'll be allowed to come home. Now come on, Wei is waiting outside in the car"
Chi-chi picked up her bags and took one last look around the room that contained so many of her memories, both good and bad. It was to late to back out of this now though. And besides, her father was making her go.
They got to the end of the hall, where the King and Kahlia were waiting for her.
"You're brothers are waiting downstairs to say goodbye" he informed her.
Suddenly a fire flashed in Chi-chi's eyes. "I don't want to see any of them" she hissed.
"Chi-chi clam down" warned Adi.
"No" she retorted. "I'm not speaking to them"
"You don't have to, just be civil"
~
Downstairs, Bulma, Vegeta, Krillen, 18 and Kakkarot stood just by the door to the front parlor of the palace, talking amounts themselves. They all fell silent when they heard voices at the top of the stairs. Looking up, they saw Chi-chi, being accompanied by the King, Kahlia and a woman they had never seen before. It was the woman who approached them first.
"Prince Vegeta, Prince Krillen, Princess Bulma" She greeted them. Bulma blinked, that was the single weirdest thing she had ever experienced in her entire life.
"Please, no need for formalities" Krillen assured her.
She smiled at them, and then continued on speaking, "My name is Adi. I'm a psychiatrist from Oakridge. I trust your father spoke to you about Chi-chi's condition"
"Yes" said Vegeta.
"Well, it is quite serious, and she is going to need all of your support to get through this" Adi explained.
"Chi-chi hates us," Bulma informed her.
"No, her brain is telling her she hates you, she just needs the right kind of help and she'll be back to herself"
"If you don't mind, I prefer the Chi-chi that stays locked up in her room all day and night over the Chi-chi that constantly hurts and abuses the people I care about" said Krillen.
"She wont do that anymore. She is going to walk away from Oakridge a new woman, provided she has the right support. You're support"
"We'll do our best" promised Kakkarot, then the next thing he knew, a Ki ball was flying towards 18 and himself. He shoved 18 to the ground and jumped out of the way just in time.
"Chi-chi!" he shouted as he stood up.
"You! It's all your fault they're sending me to a crazy home! You did this to me. All of you! You're all out to get me!" she shrieked as she charged at them.
Kakkarot grabbed hold of her arms and pinned them by her sides. "Chi-chi, no one is out to get you. You're sick ok. These people are going to help you"
"Get the hell away from me" she hissed, struggling to break free of his grip. When he let go she stumbled backwards where Adi gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's ok Chi-chi. Lets go"
"I'll get you!" Chi-chi yelled, as she was lead out of the palace by Adi and the King. "I'll get you all! Just you wait and see. This isn't the end!"
"Wait!" Kakkarot yelled to the departing trio. Adi had said she needed their support, so he was going to start now.
He walked across the room, an odd smile on his face, "I'll miss ya Chi" he said sympathetically. The gleam in Chi-chi's eyes disappeared and she tipped her head to one side. "Really?" she asked, her voice sounding like it was about to break.
"Yeah" Kakkarot nodded his head, "when they say it's ok, I'll come visit you"
"I'll miss you to"
"Bye Chi"
***
A/N; Well, Chi-chi is finally off to get the help she needs. What did you all think of this chapter? Hope your up for a good long sitting session, because the next chapter is the last one (sob sob) and I wouldn't be surprised if it's like 20 thousand words…
Well, be sure to let me know what you think, and I'll be back soon with the FINAL chapter of A.T.Y.K
~D.B