Disclaimer: As I have stated many times over, I don't own DBZ FUNimation or someone like that own it... so hassle them, not me.
A/N: Can you believe it? That last chapter of And Then You'll Know is finally here. It's been a journey spanning a year and a half, but this is it – this is where it all ends. I sincerely hope you will enjoy this final chapter and it will be the ending you all hoped for. I have tried my very very best, and I must say I'm getting a little teary eyed… I really hope you will all enjoy this and I know there was a long wait in between the last few chapters, but I have been trying to make something that you will all remember and enjoy.
~Deadly Beauty
And Then You'll Know
Chapter 44
"Krillen, wake up" called 18, as she climbed onto the bed and sat on Krillens legs.
"Babe," he muttered into his pillow, "it's to early"
18 rolled her eyes and smiled. "Early?" she asked, "you have a press meeting in 20 minutes"
That woke Krillen up, he shot up in bed and tried to move, but 18 was still sitting on his legs, preventing him from going very far at all. "Babe, I need a shower"
"Is this going to happen every day?" 18 asked, tucking her sleep tousled hair behind her ear
"What, me having a shower?"
"No, me having to wake you up. I'm not your personal assistant you know"
"I know sweetheart. It's just that, I'm a bit sleepy today"
"Me to" 18 agreed, flashing him a knowing smile.
Leaning forward, Krillen kissed 18 then with a very small amount of effort; he picked her up and moved her off his legs. "I'll be out in a few minutes ok"
"Alright"
18 got off the bed and pulled the blankets off as well. She hummed a tune while she went about her usual morning tasks of making the bed and opening the curtains. It had been two weeks since Chi-chi had left for Oakridge and the King and his wife had left back for Kahlia's home planet, where they both now resided. For 18, they had been the happiest two weeks of her life. She had gone on numerous shopping trips with Bulma and they had even found 18 a wedding dress, that was something she was really excited about. Though, everyone, even the lady who had sold them the dress, had said if she wanted to look truly stunning in it she would need to put on some weight. So for the past two weeks she had been eating everything she could get her hands on, and it seemed to be working. For the first time in years she didn't look like she was about to die. Her skin had a healthy glow, she had so much more energy than before, and her ribs were getting harder and harder to see.
Walking across the room, 18 pulled open the cupboard doors and scanned through her now quite extensive range of clothing. She decided that today she would wear a pair of light blue jeans and a simple black singlet top. She then remembers she was planning on standing in on Krillen press conference and that her chosen attire would hardly be appropriate, so she peeled her top off and changed it for a black shirt and a white suit jacket with thin black pinstripes.
"How is it, that every single day you manage to look more beautiful than the last?" Krillen asked as he stepped out of the bathroom and walked towards her.
"Don't come near me," 18 jumped backwards and Krillen stopped dead in his tracks, wondering just what he had done wrong. "What's the matter?" he asked
"You're all wet!" 18 exclaimed. "You get dressed and I'm quickly going to go and see Bulma and I'll meet you down at the conference room in 10 minutes ok" she continued
"Alright babe"
18 walked out into the hall, which was quite busy, walked past Chi-chi old room – which was now empty. Of course when she came home everything would be put back, but in the weeks she had locked herself in that room, it had gotten into the state where everything need to be changed. New carpet was needed, the walls needed a coat of paint and all new furniture had to be brought.
The next room she came to was Bulma and Vegeta's room. The door was open and music was floating out.
"Bulma" 18 called as she knocked on the door, then just walked right on in to the room.
This room too, had undergone some serious changes. Before Bulma had married Vegeta this room had been very dark and gloomy. All the furniture was made of dark wood, the carpet was a very deep red color and the heavy drapes had always been pulled across the window letting in little to no light. Now thought, it was a much nicer feel to it. The days of gloom were over as Bulma had re-decorated the entire room, giving it a very modern and classy touch.
"Oh hi 18" Bulma greeted her friend with a big smile "what are you doing here?"
"Filling in time. Krillen has a press meeting in a few minutes"
"So, how excited are you?" asked Bulma
18 raised an eyebrow, "about the meeting?" she asked.
"No, about tomorrow you goose"
"Oh the coronation. I don't really know if excited is the word I would choose. I'm terrified for him. What if something goes wrong?"
"18, it's the biggest day in Krillens life. I don't think he wants you to be terrified for him" Bulma said with a smile.
"I can't help it" 18 said.
~
Krillen folded back the collar of and turned to look in the mirror. He was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and
A black shirt. He had always hated the stuffy suits and ties that his father had made him wear. He was much more comfortable wearing a nice pair of pants and a shirt, just like he was now.
Looking down at his watch he jumped. He had to be all the way down the other end of the palace in 3 minutes. Quickly pulling on his shoes, he flung open the door to his room and ran down the hall as fast as he possibly could.
He arrived several minutes late, and walked in through the back door and up on to the small stage. Straight away he spotted 18 and Bulma standing just by the door and smiled at them. Only seconds later the press began to bombard him with question and he began to get aggravated. This meeting was supposed to be about tomorrow's coronation ceremony and how Krillen was feeling about it all. Instead so far every single question had been about Krillens 'mystery girl'
Someone had leaked it to people that Krillen was romantically involved with someone, but no one knew who she was. This 'Phantom Girl' was making headlines daily though. As much as Krillen hated it, 18 was enjoying reading all the articles about her. So far none of them had even been close to accurate, they just amused her.
Tuning back in to her surroundings 18 looked up at the stage, only to notice that Krillen was about to loose it. She waited until he made eye contact with her, then she gently pushed the air downwards with her hands, signaling for Krillen to calm down.
Noticing her gesture, Krillen took a few deep breaths and smiled warmly at her. She was right, she was always right. Looking down at his watch he winced, he had 20 minutes to get to a suit fitting for the ceremony.
"I only have time for a few more questions, and please, no more about the phantom lady," he begged.
Many hands went down, and Krillen shook his head and sighed.
***
Vegeta stood waiting impatiently for his fathers ship to land. When it finally landed and the ramp slid down, he breathed a sigh of relief; he didn't know how much more of this waiting around he could of stood. It was Kahlia who walked down the ramp first and Vegeta shuddered. 'Why'd he have to bring her?' he thought to himself. King Vegeta followed close behind his wife.
"Father," Vegeta greeted the older man with a stiff bow
"Son," he replied, "it's good to see you. How is everyone"
"Fine"
"Have you heard from Chi-chi's doctors at all?"
"I spoke with them yesterday. They say she has made a little improvement, but it is still a long road ahead"
The King rubbed his chin thoughtfully, sighed then looked at Kahlia and smiled.
"Take Kahlia's bags for her would you son?" he asked Vegeta
"Kahlia is a big girl, I think she can carry her own bags" he said, then turned and headed back inside the palace, wishing to have no further conversations with either his father or the woman he called his wife.
He muttered to himself as he stomped down the hall. He had woken up in a bad mood, and it had gotten progressively worse as the day proceeded. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice his wife walking up the hall towards him until she was right in his face.
"Vegeta?" she asked, "are you ok?"
"I'm fine" he said, not even picking his eyes up of the ground to look at her.
"Vegeta," Bulma placed her finger under his chin and lifted his head up, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing" he said pulling away from Bulma and leaning against the wall.
"What did he say to you Vegeta?" she asked, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing, he didn't say anything"
Bulma sighed knowingly, so that was what was wrong. It wasn't what Vegeta's father had said; it was what he hadn't said.
"Hey, it's alright" she said, flashing him a warm smile, then looking down at her watch. "I don't have to go back to work for a while. What do you say we go take a walk in the garden"
***
"Where are we going?" 18 asked as she took Krillens hand in hers and let him lead her down some of the palace halls she hadn't even known existed.
"I want to show you something"
"Yeah, where?"
"Down here"
18 rolled her eyes, "You're an idiot Krillen" she said with a smile.
"Yeah, but you love me" he said as he slowed down then stopped walking all together.
18 looked up at the big wooden door, it reminded her of the door to the slave quarters and she tightened her grip on Krillens hand without even realizing it. Krillen pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked the door; pushing it open he led 18 inside the room and watched on in amusement at the many looks that spread across her face.
This place was amazing. At the far end of the room was about 40 steps and at the top a big platform. On either side of the isle they were standing at the end of, were rows and rows of seats. The whole room was covered with a deep red carpet, the sun shone in through the high leadlight windows, and many candles stood around the room waiting to be lit. The whole room had a very beautiful yet eerie feeling to it.
"What is this place?" 18 muttered, her eyes still scanning the beautiful room
"This is the coronation room. Kings have been brought into power here for hundreds of years"
"And tomorrow it's your turn" 18 said, smiling at him.
Krillen headed up the long isle and began to climb the steps, 18 quickly chased after him and met him at the top. From up here, everything looked so small; it was like they were on top of the world.
"How's it feel?" 18 asked as she sat beside Krillen on the top step
"How's what feel?"
"To know that tomorrow this is all going to be yours"
Krillen stopped to think about it before he replied, "I guess I haven't really thought about it"
18 raised an eyebrow, "you haven't really thought about it?" she asked.
Krillen shrugged his shoulders "I've just been so busy, I guess it hasn't really sunk in yet"
18 had to laugh. "That's just like you" she said, then leaned over and kissed his cheek
"What's just like me?" he asked, a faint blush tingeing his face
"You never let anything go to your head. I mean, so much has happened to you these past few months, and you haven't changed a bit. You're still exactly the same man I fell in love with"
"And I plan to stay exactly the same man you fell in love with. 18, just because I'm going to be the King, doesn't mean I'm going to change"
"You're amazing, you know that" 18 said, resting her head on his shoulder and looking down at everything below her.
"No I'm not," Krillen disagreed, placing an arm around her waist, "I'm just a normal kinda guy"
"Trust me, you more than just a normal kinda guy. You're the best kinda guy"
The next thing 18 knew, she was lying on her back and Krillen was looking down at her.
"What are you doing?" she asked, then giggled.
"Getting ready to kiss you," he said. 18 had to smile as he brought his lips down to meet hers. She loved it when he kissed her, it made her whole body tingle.
Opening her eyes from the kiss, 18 wrapped her arms around Krillens neck and smiled, "I love you" she told him.
"I love you to." He said then kissed her again. "I can't wait to marry you"
18 looked a little uncomfortable for a second, and Krillen noticed, but the look quickly disappeared and 18 pushed herself up on her elbows and smiled, "same here" she said
"Well then, how about tomorrow?"
"Excuse me?" 18 asked
"Marry me tomorrow" Krillens eyes came alight as he spoke
"Tomorrow? Have you forgot what you doing tomorrow?" asked 18 as she reached up and tapped on his head
"No I haven't forgotten" said Krillen rolling his eyes, "But think, the coronation will be over by 2, and we can be married by 6. Wouldn't you like that?"
"I would love that. But are you sure you would be up to such a busy day? The coronation is going to take a lot out of you"
"I think I'll have it in me to marry the girl of my dreams. So what do you say?"
"We're getting married!" 18 exclaimed, a very big grin on her face.
Leaning forward and kissing her again, Krillen also smiled, "We're getting married"
"Oh my gosh. I have to go tell Bulma and 17!"
Krillen had to laugh as he stood up and helped 18 up too. "Off you go then," he said. "I have things to do anyway"
"Alright" 18 agreed
"Ok then, I'll see you at dinner ok"
"Ok" 18 agreed again, then left
***
"Do you want coffee?" Bulma asked, unable to wipe the grin off her face as she sat down at her desk
"No thanks" 18 replied.
"I can't believe your getting married tomorrow, its so exciting" Bulma said as she pulled a note pad and pen out from one of the draws under her desk and began to scribble things down.
"What are you doing?" 18 asked pushing her hair back off her face
"Making a list of things we need to get done before tomorrow" Bulma muttered as she continued to write things down, "trust me, getting married takes a lot more planning then you would think"
"Bulma, Krillen and I already talked about this, we only want something small"
"Ok got ya" said Bulma, thought 18 didn't really feel like Bulma knew exactly what she meant by the word small
"No Bulma, I mean the only people we want there are, you, Vegeta, Kakkarot 17, Tarie and Bianca. Small"
Bulma stopped writing and looked up at 18, "That's not small, that's tiny"
"That's all we want, a small ceremony and maybe dinner afterwards"
"You sure?" Bulma asked raising an eyebrow
18 nodded in reply, "Positive"
"Well, you'll still need a priest, flowers, photography, you don't want catering?"
"No"
"You'll need hair and makeup, I can do that if you want"
"How good are you?" 18 asked skeptically, "I want to blow Krillen away"
"Leave it to me and you'll more then blow him away. Trust me, I'll make you look like a goddess"
"Alright, but if you screw it up I'll kill you"
Bulma smiled "deal" she said, the suddenly a thought struck her, "Do you and Krillen have rings?"
"I don't know?" 18 replied, the thought only just dawning on her now that Bulma had mentioned it
"Well, we'd better go and find out. I'm not doing any work here, so lets go shopping" Bulma said as she stood up
"Alright," 18 eagerly agreed, "but can Tarie come too, she has nothing, and I think she would really enjoy coming along"
"Sure," Bulma said with a smile, "you go get her at I'll meet you at the car in say, 20?"
***
It was a very awkward silence around the dinner table. No one was eating, no one knew what to say, and no one wanted to make eye contact. It was King Vegeta who spoke up first – though he wouldn't be holding that title for much longer. In less than 24 hours he would he handing the title of King over to his last-born child, Krillen.
"Vegeta, where is that wife of yours?" he asked
Vegeta shrugged his shoulders "I wouldn't have a clue. Probably shopping with 18"
"You don't know?"
"I don't keep tabs on her 24/7. She is a grown woman and can do what she likes" Vegeta said as he looked at Krillen and pushed his food aimlessly around his plate. He wasn't hungry in the slightest.
"Father," Krillen started, "Is there really a point to Vegeta and I being here? Perhaps you would enjoy your meal more if it were just you and Kahlia" he suggested.
Kahlia looked across at her husband to see what his response would be, this was indeed an awkward situation.
"Nonsense. I want to dine with my sons on the eve of such an important occasion"
Vegeta was about to say something, but the doors were pushed open and 18 and Bulma came strolling through, laughing and chatting. Once they noticed the King and Kahlia though, they stopped dead in their tracks. They hadn't been told the King was eating with them, or else 18 most certainly would not have come. Vegeta Senior had no idea about Krillen and 18. All he knew 18 as was Chi-chi ex slave.
"I-I-I" 18 stammered backing toward the door. Bulma to didn't know what to do. What would the King make of this? It was Krillen however, who answered her questions for her.
"18, it's alright. Come sit down"
"A-are you sure?" she asked
"Positive"
"Come on, 18" Bulma urged her as she walked across the room, kissed Vegeta on the cheek and sat down beside him.
"What's going on here?" asked the King as 18 sat down beside Krillen and he took her hand.
"Father, you know 18, my fiancée"
Kahlia gasped quietly. "Krillen, I had no idea" she said, the shock in her voice evident.
"Your what?" the King asked
"My fiancée" Krillen repeated himself, "and after tomorrow, she will be my wife"
"No she wont" the King spoke, raising his voice slightly, "As King, I wont allow it"
"Ah yes father, but you see, tomorrow I shall be crowned King, and I am going to marry the woman I love"
"It's not legal Krillen, you can't marry below your class, and she is the lowest class there is!"
"Tomorrow father, it will all be different tomorrow"
"I can't believe this" the King muttered to himself, "my planet is going to shambles"
"Father, shut it! No one gives a toss what you think anymore!" Vegeta spat, emphasizing his point by slamming his fist down on the table, making Bulma jump in fright. "Krillen has been doing a better job running this planet then you ever did. You don't deserve the title of King. Hand it over to Krillen, and get the hell off our planet" he warned.
"Vegeta!" he boomed, standing up and looming over his eldest child. Vegeta too though, stood up, not intimidated in the least by his father's bigger stature "I'm not afraid of you" he remarked through gritted teeth, balling his fists by his sides to stop from swinging them at something or someone.
"You should be" the King replied, "I hold all the power over you"
"I'll kill you" Vegeta threatened, and went to launch himself at his father but both Krillen and Bulma pounced on him before he could.
"Don't Vegeta" Krillen loudly whispered into his older brothers ear, "Just calm down bro"
"Vegeta, please" Bulma held tightly onto her husbands arm, "Stop it"
Across the table, 18 buried her head in her hands and groaned, she had a sneaking suspicion that this was all her fault.
Growling in defeat, Vegeta stepped away from his father, "We're wasting our time here, let's go Bulma" Bulma didn't protest, she was scared of the mood Vegeta had worked himself into, there was no way in hell she was going to argue with him now. Besides, she to wanted to leave.
Krillen took a deep breath, walked around the table and stood in front of 18. "Are you ok?" he asked as he took her hands and noticed she was shaking.
She nodded in reply "yeah" she said quietly.
Looking past 18, Krillen scowled deeply at his father, "Don't worry about him sweetheart"
18 felt tear welling up in her eyes, and tried her best to blink them back, but failed. "Can we leave?" she asked wiping her cheeks with the sleeve of her shirt.
"Of course we can. What do you say we go visit your brother?" Krillen asked, knowing that 17 would be able to comfort her
***
Looking at the clock 18 buried her head in the pillow and sighed. It was 4.30am and she had not gotten one bit of sleep all night. Beside her, she could hear Krillens slow, steady breathing; he wouldn't wake for some time yet.
Today was such a big day for him. By far, the biggest day of his life. He was going to be crowned not only King, but also the youngest King ever to be crowned. It was a big day for her to, and as she lay in bed a thought dawned on her, a big scary though. If Krillen was going to be King, and she was marrying him, wouldn't that make her Queen?
That was something she would not, and could not do. Sitting up in the bed, she raked her hands through her hair, "oh god" she muttered to herself. She suddenly felt like she was going to be sick.
Climbing out of the bed, 18 flicked on the lamp, coating the room in a warm yellow glow, Krillen stirred, but he continued to sleep nonetheless. 18 found a piece of paper and a pen, and picked it up with a shaking hand and wrote Krillen a short note
Krillen,
Something just occurred to me, I'm not sure I can marry you any more.
I'm so sorry Krillen.
All my love,
18
With that, she slipped off her engagement ring, wiped tears off her face and left the room. She quietly walked the halls, even at this hour of the morning; she was not the only one up. People were busy preparing for the events that were going to take place today. Stopping by an archway, 18 noticed a detailed itinerary of everything that Krillen was going to be involved in today. Why was that posted all the way down here? 18 wondered as she again, began to walk.
Before long, she was out in the garden, it was still dark outside, but the air was warm. She slowed down in her walking speed, not in any hurry. Tears were flowing from her eyes and dripping off her chin, her insides felt like they were being torn to shreds. She had wanted so badly to marry Krillen.
After several more minutes of walking, she arrived at her destination. Stopping in her track, she fell to the ground, paying no heed to the pain that shot through her knees and up her legs. She continued to cry, loud heart wrenching sobs escaping from her throat.
"Mama" she whimpered, "I don't know what to do" she lost her voice to the tears for several minutes, but when she did find it again, she continued to talk. She knew her mother wasn't really here, but this memorial was as close as she was ever going to get. "I don't think I can marry Krillen anymore. I love him so much mama, but I can't be Queen. I just can't. What should I do?"
She waited, as if expecting some kind of a reply, but nothing happened – why would it? Turning her head, she looked at the next tomb, "Astrid?" she asked, "tell me what to do"
Again, she received no reply. Sighing deeply, 18 pulled her legs up to her chest, buried her head in her hands and cried. She was so lost in the emotion that she didn't hear anyone coming up behind her until they placed a hand on her shoulder.
"18, what are you doing?" came the voice of her brother, "you should be asleep"
"Leave me alone 17. I don't want to see you right now?"
"Hey," he sat down beside her, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!"
17 sniggered and rolled his eyes, "18," he sounded very unconvinced, "I know that's not true. We're twins, I always know when something's up with you. Even at 4.30 in the morning when it shouldn't even be legal to be awake"
"I'm sorry" she muttered, "I…I just…I don't know what to do. Krillen wants me to marry him, but I can't be Queen. I just couldn't do it"
"Nonsense" 17 said, as he helped his sister up off the cold hard ground, ran his hand over both the top of his mother and Astrid's tombs then lead 18 down and out of the cemetery "You would make a great Queen"
"Don't lie to me 17, I've already been through enough shit this morning"
"I'm not lying. I know you have what it takes to be a wonderful Queen to our people"
"No I don't"
They walked back inside and 17 sat his sister down on one of the many chairs that adorned the palace halls. "Think about it, you survived all the crap Chi-chi put you through, you survived Krillen going to Namek, you survived our childhood, and all of those things are a damn lot harder than fulfilling the duties of a Queen"
"I'm not fit to be royal 17. I grew up in the harem. I can't be Royal, I just couldn't do it"
"What? Why would you think that?"
"I just…I just know I would fail"
"Fail at what?" 17 asked, "Looking pretty? Going to fancy balls? Standing strong by your husband's side? How could you possibly fail at that? It's the King who does all that hard work, people love the Queen for doing virtually nothing" 17 said, stating facts which he believed to be true.
"It's not that simple"
"Yeah it is. And besides, do you know what you are going to do to Krillen back bailing on him. He loves you, and if you leave him, on the day of your wedding no less, you'll probably kill him"
"He'll get over it, over me" she said with a sigh, not picking her eyes up of the ground.
"I beg to differ dear sister. Think about what you are about to do, and if it's really worth throwing away" 17 said, and then standing up, he walked off down the hall.
18 sat for a few moments more, her mind racing. She finally decided that 17 was right. She loved Krillen more than she had ever loved anyone. She was her reason to live and without him she was nothing. She was scared, yes, but upon reasoning with herself, she came to realize that she was probably not the first ever person to be in this situation and be a little – or a lot, terrified. And that being afraid was not a valid reason to throw away the most special thing she had ever had in her life.
So, she stood up, walked all the way back to the room she shared with the man, who by the end of the day would be her husband, picked up her note and ripped it to pieces. Krillen would never know of the going on of this morning.
***
"Vegeta," Bulma growled, "get up!" she balled up her fist and punched him in the back, but it did little to wake him. Why was it, that on important days like this, Vegeta always had to sleep in? He'd probably only gotten up 20 minutes before his own wedding, knowing him.
"Vegeta" she called him again, "get your ass out of bed right now"
She was greeted with some sort of a response at least. Vegeta groaned and rolled over. "Fine! Sleep, see if I care. It's Krillen you're going to be disappointing, not me. When you decide to get up, I'll be in the shower!"
Several minutes after Bulma slammed the bathroom door very loudly, Vegeta rolled back onto his back and sat up. Why did she always have to pester him about his sleeping habits? They had done him fine for the past 26 years, now she came and told him that he wasn't doing it right. Sometimes she annoyed him, but he wouldn't trade her for anything.
Pushing himself up and off the bed, he slipped his robe on and opened the glass doors that lead to the balcony. It was a beautiful morning, and would surely be a beautiful day. He wasn't sure how long he had been standing outside for, but before long Bulma joined him. Dressed in a white bathrobe and her hair hill half wet, she wrapped her arms around Vegeta's waist and sighed deeply.
"What?" he asked, he sounded like he really didn't care, but Bulma knew better
"Nothing" she said.
"You're going to get dirty feet, it's not exactly clean out here" Vegeta stated, looking down at the ground.
Bulma had to smile; it was nice to know he cared. She knew he loved her, but caring was a completely different story, he seemed to have read the book though. "C'mon then. It's almost 8, you need to get in the shower," she said turning him around and pushing him back inside.
Once Bulma had pushed her husband across the room and into the shower, she got dressed, putting on a pair of white sweatpants, a black singlet top and a baggy white jumper. She had a brand new outfit selected for the coronation, and yet another for the wedding, but she had no need to put them on yet.
She quickly made the bed, and then pulled a big bag out of the cupboard under her dresser. Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she called out to Vegeta that she would be back later and that she loved him, then walked out the door and headed down the hall.
***
Tarie lifted Bianca out of her crib and walked out into the living room. It was hard to believe that she was almost 4 months old.
"Did you sleep well, princess?" Tarie asked as she brushed the small girls jet-black hair out of her eyes. She was met with a chorus of baby noises as a reply and it made her smile.
Looking up and across the room, Tarie's eyes locked on to 17's and she smiled. He was standing in the kitchen making a cup of coffee.
"How are my two favorite girls this morning?" he asked
"On such a fantastic day, how could we not be fantastic?" Tarie asked in reply as she walked into the kitchen and kissed her man.
Today was also a big day for their little family. They were taking their tiny daughter out into public for the first time. Yesterday Tarie had gone shopping with 18 and Bulma and boy could those two shop. She had managed to get herself several lovely outfits as well as some great stuff for 17 and lots and lots of gorgeous little things for Bianca.
"Can you make me some coffee, sweetie?" Tarie asked 17 as she lay Bianca down on the change table to give her a fresh nappy.
"Sure thing" replied 17, just as there was a knock at the door.
"That'll be Bulma," said Tarie.
Sure enough, 17 opened the door, and there was Bulma. "Good morning Princess Bulma" 17 greeted, smiling like an idiot and bowing.
"You're so stupid 17," Bulma said as she playfully pushed his shoulder and stepped around him to get into the apartment. "Morning Tarie"
Tarie pushed her thick brown hair off of her face and smiled, "Morning," she replied, "Mind holding Bianca for a second?"
Before Bulma even had a chance to reply, Bianca was in her arms. Bulma watched as Tarie them proceeded to do about 10 things at once. And where exactly had 17 disappeared to?
"So," Bulma asked as she placed Bianca on the floor and passed her a stuffed toy "you ready?"
Tarie sighed, then a smile formed on her lips "I suppose I have to be"
"Great," Bulma said as she dropped her bag down on the table, unzipped it and watched as make up rolled all over the table and onto the floor. "Uh, shall we?" Bulma asked as she picked up the things on the floor before Bianca got to them.
Tarie sat down at the table, looking at the massive bag Bulma was rummaging through. "What have I gotten myself into?" she muttered
***
"Are you sure that's right?" Krillen asked as he tried to move his arm up in the stupid stiff jacket he was wearing
"Yes sire, I'm sure it's right" the young girl replied as she walked across the room to fetch the rest of Krillen attire.
He felt so very stupid in all of this traditional clothing. But it was just what had to be done if he was going to be crowned King. – There was no getting out of it.
"Sire," the girl caught his attention, "your cloak." She offered him a velvety red cloak with the royal insignia on it that was at least for times longer than he was. "Is this really necessary?" he asked
"Yes sire" the woman replied bluntly, she seemed to be getting fed up with his politeness and all around good mood.
"Excuse me miss, but if there is something about me you don't like, please, don't hesitate to let me know"
"No sire"
"And please, call me Krillen"
All was quiet for several minutes as the woman fussed around with Krillens clothing. He really did feel incredibly stupid, and here there was only himself and the grumpy lady in the room. Later on he would be on national T.V looking like this, when the Coronation Ceremony was beamed live to every television set on the planet.
He had gone to a rehearsal the night before, and there was so many things for him to remember. What to say. What to do. When to bow. Which way you had to move your arm or nod your head! Why oh why had he agreed to become King? He was perfectly happy living his life in his fathers shadow. Vegeta knew what he was doing when he rejected the throne, what had Krillen been thinking? Really, someone should have smacked him over the head or something!
"Sire," Krillen blinked upon hearing that woman calling him by that ridiculous name. "Yeah?" he asked.
"You can step down now".
Krillen did as he was told and jumped down of the slightly raised platform he had been standing on. It was just then the Vegeta walked into the room.
"Morning Vegeta" Krillen greeted his older brother. Vegeta nodded in reply as he stood up on the platform waiting for his suit fitting. Not that he was going to be wearing royal attire, but he needed a new suit nonetheless.
"You look like an idiot" Vegeta said with a smirk
"Shut up" Krillen muttered, he already knew he looked dumb.
"Did your woman sort out her problem?" Vegeta asked as he held out his arm to be measured.
"18? She has a problem?" Krillen asked, his voice taking on a more worried tone
"According to the woman she does, or rather, she did. I don't really know"
"Something was wrong with her? Where's Bulma?" Krillen asked.
"I'm going to do you a favor and not tell you" Vegeta replied as he jumped of the platform and waited for the young girl to come back with a suit for him.
Krillen looked confused. "What?" he asked, "Why not?"
"Because one, you look like a moron and you can't be seen running around the palace like that, and two your coronation starts in 45 minutes" he replied taking a black suit bag off the woman and walking out the room.
***
"18, please, calm down. You're gonna explode" 17 said with a smile
"I'm not gonna explode 17!" 18 snapped as she turned on her heels and began to walk the length of the room…again, "I'm just…nervous"
"No kidding" 17 said as he fiddled with the cuff of his new, expensive suit. The twins were standing in the living room of 17's small home – 17 holding Bianca in his arms – waiting for Tarie to emerge from the bathroom.
"Hey," 17 asked, "this isn't still about this morning is it?"
"What?" 18 shook her head. "No. This is about me worrying that something might go wrong to ruin Krillens big day"
"Nothing is going to go wrong, ok" 17 reassured his sister as he lay Bianca down in her pram, so they would be ready to leave for the Coronation as soon as Tarie was ready. Walking across the room, he went to pound on the bathroom door, only to have it swing open right in front of him.
"Before you break down the door, I'm ready" Tarie said with a smile. "So?" she asked, "how do I look"
"Eh," 17 shrugged his shoulders, "so so"
Tarie made a funny face and smacked 17 in the arm. He laughed at her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I was kidding," he said to her, "you look fabulous"
"I know," Tarie agreed she picked up Bianca's baby bag "Alright," she said linking her arm through 18's and smiling, "let's go"
***
"18!" Bulma called as she rushed across the room to greet her friend, careful not to trip on her long red dress. Coronations were a very formal event, and everyone was dressed for the occasion. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm not sure really" 18 replied as she nervously played with the fabric of her dress.
Only Bulma, Vegeta, 18, 17 and Tarie, occupied the room, all the other guest were waiting out in the foyer. 18's eyes roamed around the room. It was made of a darkish colored wood and adorned with deep red furniture. There were three doors leading from the room. One they had just come through, one lead to the foyer where everyone else was waiting, and one, 18 wasn't to sure about.
"Bulma, is he in there?" 18 asked motioning towards the door.
Bulma nodded in reply. "We aren't allowed in though." She was going to say something else, but at that moment, the King and Kahlia walked into the room. Everyone instantly ended their conversations.
"Who are they?" the King asked, looking towards 17.
"They are 18's family" Bulma supplied him with the answer, not wanting to cause a fuss.
"And what are they doing here?"
"We could ask the same about her" Vegeta joined the conversation, relating to Kahlia.
"Vegeta, I've had just about enough of you treating Kahlia this way, she is a part of your family whether you like it or not" The King sneered.
"Calm down dear" Kahlia pleaded, she really didn't want to have to deal with one of her husband's moods today.
"Calm down?" he repeated her statement
"Yes, calm down. Perhaps we should wait out in the hall until everyone is seated" Kahlia suggested.
"Perhaps we should" the King agreed, and with that they walked out the same door they came in
~
On the other side of the door across the room, Krillen sighed. He had heard every last thing that had just gone on.
"Sire," an older man spoke, getting his attention, "it's almost time"
Turning away from the door Krillen sighed deeply. He wanted to get this over and done with, so he could marry 18 and go to bed. "Ok," Krillen replied, "have the guests been seated?"
"Almost"
~
Kakkarot sat in his seat in the very second row. In from if him, sat Bulma, Vegeta, 18, 17 and Tarie. Leaning forward, he tapped 18 on the shoulder. She turned around and smiled at him. "Good afternoon Kakkarot" she greeted him.
"Hi 18" he replied.
"Glad you could make it for Krillens big day. I assume you are staying for the wedding?"
"Nothing could keep me away"
Suddenly everything went quiet, the doors were pushed open, and the King and Kahlia strode into the room. Kahlia sat down beside Vegeta – much to his distaste. The King however, continued on up the stairs were he stood behind the podium and began to prepare himself. The television broadcast wasn't due to start for another 5 minutes.
To his left, sat a big chair, the seat Krillen would be sitting in when he was crowned King in only 30 short minutes. To his right, sealed inside a glass case, were the crown jewels. Consisting of the crown, which had been polished and all the jewels had been shined, a scepter, which also was adorned with many fancy and rare jewels, a brooch that displayed the royal insignia and was over a thousand years old, and several other pieces of very expensive and fancy paraphernalia. These jewels were used only on occasions such as this, and were not the ones worn and used during everyday life. As soon as the coronation was over, they would go right back where they came from.
Above the door to the room, sat a long gallery, and in it stood a choir, gently singing a song witch consisted of no words, just many notes. It wasn't very good, but it beat listening to nothing at all.
18 sat nervously in her seat, Bulma holding tightly onto her hand for moral support, "Calm down 18. He's gonna do just fine"
"I know, but still…" 18 trailed off and finished with a sigh.
All of a sudden, trumpet music filled the air, making both Bulma and 18 jump. It was so loud, and signified the beginning of the television broadcast.
A man with a microphone began to talk to the camera, and effectively, to all of Vegeta-sei, but he was all the way down the other end of the room and no one at the front could distinguish what he was saying. They didn't really care anyway.
Soon the host finished talking, and the camera changed to the King, standing a top the staircase. He tapped the microphone then proceeded to address his people for the last time.
"Men, women and children of Vegeta-sei, today marks a monumental day in our history and you should all feel honored to be witnessing such an event. Today, I will hand my throne, title and all rights to the Kingdom over to my last-born child, Prince Krillen. Only minutes from now, a new era on Vegeta-sei will begin. I know in my heart the my son will be an outstanding leader to all Sayians – and for the duration of his reign, he will endeavor – such as I have – to do his very best to serve you, his people.
I hope that you will all show the same love and respect to my son that you have shown to me, and make me proud to have ruled over people as wonderful as you all are." The King waited while the audience to the Coronation applauded him, "Well, without further ado, I present you with your new King, Krillen"
Everyone in the room stood up and turned their gaze to the end of the room. The doors swung open, and in walked Krillen – feeling like an absolute idiot dressed in all this royal attire. He made sure to stop and shake hands of several people, and before he knew it, he was standing before his family. He firmly shook Vegeta hand, and Vegeta flashed his little bother a very rare smile. His eyes locked onto 18's and he smiled brightly at her. She looked so proud of him, and it filled him with the confidence he needed to continue his journey up the stairs. Mouthing the words 'I love you' to her, he turned away and continued. Upon arriving at the top of the stairs, he bowed to his father and everyone resumed their seats.
The King waited for a few more seconds, and then continued to talk again. "My son is now going to take an oath, in which he will promise to live for and serve his people. If you would all stand, clasp you hands and bow your head" he King asked, and everyone did as instructed, himself included.
Krillen stepped up the podium, and be carefully begun to recite the oath, trying desperately not to forget a line.
"I Prince Krillen, son to King Vegeta the 4th, hereby swear to honor, serve and act in the best interest of the people of Vegeta-sei. I promise to act on behalf of them at all times and put their needs and desires before my own, for the greater good of our people. I fully understand the role I am about to take on, and do so with great pride and joy." He said looking down on the people he was about to become the ruler of, and shaking like a leaf.
People lifted their heads and again, applauded Krillen. He smiled down at them, well, he was looking at 18 and smiling, no doubt his grinning face was being shown on TV's all over the planet at the moment.
Stepping back to the podium, the King spoke as the King, for one of the last times. "Now, my son will take his seat, and I shall crown in your new King"
An odd hush fell over the crowd, and from her spot on in the very front of the room 18 was sure she was about to pass out from nerves. She watched as Krillen took his seat and the King unlocked the case the royal jewels were in. This was it; this was the moment of truth.
Placing the crown upon his head, attaching the brooch to his cloak, and holding the scepter in his left hand, the King approached his son. "Good luck, son" he whispered to him, before he turned back to both the immediate audience in the room, and the wider audience on the T.V, and spoke to the people of Vegeta-sei for the last time, as their King.
"As I place on your cloak, this brooch," he said as he unpinned the brooch from his cloak and pinned it on his sons, "which carries the emblem of Vegeta-sei, I pass over to you, the right to our planet". Next he handed him the scepter and again spoke "as I place this scepter in your left hand, I place also in your hands the well being and care of your people, and the trust that you will do your very best to live your life with their best interest at heart" Finally the King lifted the crown off of his head, and placed it on Krillens. Straight away, Krillen noticed how heavy it was, and it almost slipped right of his head. "And Finally, I place the crown of Vegeta-sei upon you head, and with it I give to you the rights, responsibilities and all claims to your fair planet. From this day fourth, you shall govern all Sayians, make and uphold all laws, lead you people into battle fairly and justly and act of behalf of your people before you act for yourself. Do you fully understand what you are about to take on?"
Krillen shut his eyes and took a deep shuddering breath, after this, he was almost the King. "I understand, and I promise to be the best King I know how to be"
Even though Vegeta knew that his son didn't want him around, he still wore an enormously proud smile on his aged face. Now he knew how his father had felt when he brought him into power. "Well then, Prince Krillen, will you please rise and bow down on your right knee?" he asked as he took Krillens scepter off him.
Standing up, Krillen promptly fell to his right knee and bowed his head, he had never been so nervous in all of his 20 years. Raising the scepter just above Krillen, Vegeta spoke, "Kneel Prince Krillen," he said as he tapped Krillens left shoulder with the scepter, "In the name of the father, the son and the Holy spirit. With the scepter to represent your people, I hereby crown you King Krillen the first of Vegeta-sei. You may rise, and be received by your people"
Opening his eyes, the sound of applause filled his ear, yet Krillen did not move. He was over whelmed. He was King. King Krillen, he smiled liking the ring his new title had. Finally after almost a full minute, he stood up, and everyone below him bowed. Stepping up to the podium, he cleared his throat and prepared for his fist act as King.
"You may all rise. As my father spoke before, today dawns a new era on Vegeta-sei. There are certain laws this planet has had in place for thousands of years, these laws, I feel have become highly outdated and not only demean our people, but disgrace us as a race. I am talking about the laws of class Vegeta-sei employs. These laws state that a man or woman born into poverty must die in poverty and equally ensures that the rich will always be rich. Today, before you, my people, and as my first act as your King, I am abolishing all such laws. From this day fourth, not a single Sayian will live a day without food, water and shelter. Slavery is to be abolished, giving every one the opportunity to live their life the way they so wish, without the threat of being exterminated by others."
Down below him, 17, 18 and Tarie all looked at each other, their mouths gaping open. Krillen had just set them free once and for all. They could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Throwing his arms around his sisters neck, 17 didn't try to stop the tears the flowed down his cheeks, 18 too, let herself cry. She had never imagined this day would actually come.
"From this day onward, if a man or woman wishes to marry above or below their former class, they may do so, without fears of punishment or persecution. They may raise a family, send their children to school, and shop where they so wish. On this note, I thank you all for accepting me so warmly and graciously as your leader, I know that together we are going to be able to work towards a better and more prosperous Vegeta-sei"
~
Several minutes later the television broadcast finished, and as soon as Krillen had put the jewels back in their cabinet and taken off his damn cloak and jacket, he practically flew down the stairs, picked 18 up out of her seat and spun her around in circles. Then pulled her close to him in a tight embrace.
"I'm so proud of you" she said, her face streaky from where her tears and washed away her make up.
"Hey, don't cry" she soothed, holding her close.
"Krillen, that was awesome!" Kakkarot called from the next row. Untangling himself from 18, Krillen leaned over the row of seats and shook hands with each member of Kakkarot's family. "Thanks for coming Kakkarot" he said, smiling from ear to ear the entire time. He couldn't remember feeling this good in a long long time.
"I can't believe what Krillen just did 18" Tarie said, also unable to stop smiling. She was referring to the abolishment of the slavery laws, "Did you know about it?"
18 shook her head, "I had no idea. But can you believe it? We're free, we're really free!"
"You're husband has really really outdone himself this time, we owe him forever. Just think, now we can give Bianca the proper baptism she deserves"
"He's not my husband yet 17" 18 rolled her eyes as she watched people slowly filing out the room, and Krillen at the door, shaking each of their hands as they left. He was going to be such a great King, and husband.
"No, but only 3 more hours and he will be"
"See 18, I told you nothing would go wrong. Krillen did excellent up there" Bulma said, linking her arm through 18's and pulling her towards the door where the last few people were exiting. Leaving only Krillen and his family in the huge Coronation room.
"He did didn't he?" 18 agreed with a smile.
Krillen shut the doors, closing them off from the rest of the guests and the media, and sunk to the ground with a smile, "That was so horrible" he admitted, "I thought it was never gonna end"
Crouching down beside him, 18 ran her hands through Krillens soft black hair and smiled at him, "But it did end, and we are all so proud of you. Aren't we?" she was greeted with everyone nodding their heads up and down in agreement with her statement.
Krillen smiled; glad to have such a loving family around him on such a big day in his life. Unfortunately though, he had to leave them. "As much as I would love to stay here everyone, would you believe I had a photo shoot?"
"You do?" 18 asked.
Leaning over and kissing her cheek he replied, "I do. But I shall see you only a few hours from now, and then this day will become perfect"
***
"18, are you still in there?" Bulma called pounding on the bathroom door, she knew full well 18 was indeed on the other side of the door, but she asked anyway.
"What do you want?" 18 replied happily from the other side.
"I want you to come out of there"
"Fine" the bathroom door swung open and 18 walked out, dressed in a fluffy white bathrobe, her hair still dripping wet. "Happy now?" she asked.
"Very"
Bulma pushed 18 across the room and sat her down in front of the vanity. When redecorating this room, Bulma had made sure that she not only had an excessively long make up desk, but almost a whole wall of shelves to stack her many other hair and make up accessories on.
"Now, what should we do?" Bulma mused to herself, placing her finger on her chin.
"You don't know?" 18 looked at Bulma in the mirror and raised an eyebrow.
"I think curls would look nice. What do you think?"
"I think…sure, why not"
So, Bulma set about rolling 18's hair up in curlers and while they were heating, applied her make up. The wedding was in a little under 2 hours, and Bulma still needed to get ready herself. She wondered what Vegeta, Krillen and Kakkarot were up to down the hall. As it seemed, 18 was thinking the same thing as well, because she asked the exact same question Bulma was about to.
"I wonder what the boys are up to?"
Bulma had to laugh, "I have no idea. Now make sure you keep your eyes open while I apply the eyeliner"
"You know Bulma, I am perfectly capable of doing my own makeup"
"I know, but I can do it better" Bulma winked and replied.
Some time later, there was a knock on the door and Vegeta stepped in. "Afternoon" he greeted the two women. "I need to speak with you" he said, looking at Bulma.
"Oh, ok" Bulma replied and she stepped out into the hall with her husband.
"What's up?" she asked.
"The flowers are here, and we have no idea what to do with them". Bulma snorted with laugher and let Vegeta lead her down the halls to the large room where the small ceremony was being held.
"Hey, it's Bulma, our problems are over" Krillen cheered as he stood up and smiled.
"What's the problem, I've left your bride in my room, only half ready"
"We don't know how arrange those" Krillen pointed to a bunch of flowers and Bulma rolled her eyes.
"You men are so useless. All you have to do, is take 3 pink roses and 3 white roses and place them in these vases, then put the vases where you think they look nice, ok. It's not very hard"
***
"So, how's it feel?" Kahlia asked as he ran her hand up and down her husbands arm
"How does what feel?"
"To be regular old Vegeta, minus the King"
With a sigh, he took his wife in his arms and kissed her. "It wont be for long dear. Now I have passed on my title here, we can rule you planet together, as husband and wife"
"Y- you really want to?" Kahlia asked. They had talked over this, and she had gotten the impression that her husband didn't want to rule another planet.
"I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't"
"You sure?"
"Kahlia, I am as sure about this as I am sure that I love you" he smiled as he again kissed her and wrapped his big arms around her much more petite frame. "That is, if you'll have me"
"We would be honored" Kahlia said as she untangled herself from Vegeta and began to rummage through her suitcase.
"What are you doing? We are leaving soon"
"Vegeta dear, it's almost time for Krillens wedding, and I'm not properly dressed"
"We are not going to my sons wedding" he said, his voice dropping to a more intimidating tone. Kahlia however, was not scared of him; she wouldn't back down just to make him happy.
"Yes we most certainly are, so get ready and dressed"
"We are not having anything to do with my sons stupid decisions" he stated as he sat on the bed. Kahlia sat beside him and shook her head.
"You know better than anyone that Krillen is not a stupid man. And anyone can plainly see how much he loves 18"
"I don't care. I know of her past, she is dirty. Not fit to be royalty"
"Vegeta, I never had children. But even I can see that this is not the way to treat them"
"They have grown, they don't need me and they don't want me"
"Vegeta. Pushing them away is not going to help fix this. Only time will heal their wounds, but you have to be there, you have to be a part of their life. Or else this is never going to get better. I know it hurts, and I know you're upset, but you need to keep going with this. Trust me, it's the only way"
"No," he bowed his head and sighed, "I tried, and I failed. I'm not going to burden my children anymore"
Kahlia balled her fist, resisting the urge to slap Vegeta. "Don't say that" she scolded him. "Your children need you regardless of how old they have gotten. They will always need you. They just feel betrayed right now, and how can you blame them. You didn't handle yourself how you should have when you left to marry me. But persevere, make yourself a part of their life, and they'll forgive you. Just give them time."
Running his hand through his hair, Vegeta sighed, "Fine. If you feel about it so strongly, then we will go"
"Thank you," Kahlia smiled, "You would of regretted missing this day in years to come anyway"
***
"Hey, can I come in?" Tarie called, as she knocked on the door to Bulma's room.
"Is Krillen with you?" Bulma asked, a big grin on her face.
"No"
"Then come on in"
Tarie pushed open the door and stepped into the room where Bulma and 18 were just finishing getting ready.
"Well, what do you think?" Bulma asked, motioning towards 18 with her eyes.
Tarie smiled widely and hugged her best friend. "18, you look so amazingly beautiful. Krillen is going to die when he sees you!"
"He better not" 18 replied as she picked up her shoe.
"But seriously, you look amazing" Tarie commented again as she looked 18 up and down. Her dress was simple, yet stunning at the same time. It was a long flowing white dress that hung all the way to the ground, it had thin straps and the back off the dress puffed out just a little bit. On top of her perfectly curled hair sat a tiara with a sheer white veil attached to it.
"I'm so nervous" 18 admitted as she sat down to slip on her shoes.
"Don't be. Krillen loves you, and everything is going to be great" Bulma reassured her, and Tarie nodded in agreement.
"Are you ready?" asked Tarie.
"As ready as I'm ever going to be. Let's go do this" 18 said as Tarie handed her a bouquet of pink and white roses.
***
"Now you know how it feels" Vegeta taunted his little brother from his seat in the front row.
"Shut up Vegeta" he retorted as he waited nervously for his bride to arrive.
"Krillen, this is gonna work out great" Kakkarot said. He was acting as Krillens best man today. Looking towards the door, Krillen smiled, only minutes from now, 18 would be here.
It was only a small gathering. Consisting of 15 of their closest friends and family. It was intimate, and exactly what they both wanted.
17 looked at Krillen and grinned. He was nervous, that was good, it meant he was looking forward to marrying 18. If he ever did anything to hurt her, 17 swore he would kill Krillen. On his lap, Bianca giggled as he bounced her up and down on his knees. Becoming a dad was by far the best thing that had ever happened to him.
"She's cute" Nison said from his spot next to 17.
"You want to hold her?" 17 asked, he really wasn't sure if Nison had ever held Bianca before of not.
"No, no that's ok mate"
"It's ok" 17 urged him and placed his daughter in the lap of his best friend. "She loves to be held, and I have to go wait for 18 anyway"
Nison smiled at Bianca, she sure was cute with her black hair and green eyes, "Fine, I'll watch her for a few minutes"
"Great," 17 said as he got up and walked down the makeshift isle, then turned and came back, "If you drop her, I'll kill you" he said with a wink, then walked away.
Nison gulped and tightening his grip on the infant
~
"Oh my god" 17 muttered as he stopped in his tracks. His sister had just rounded the corner, and he had lost his words. As she got closer though, he was able to string a coherent thought together and he smiled proudly.
"Well?" 18 asked as she stopped in front of him and spun around, "what do you think?"
"I think, I don't know what to say"
"How about you say she looks stunning?" Tarie suggested as she kissed 17 on the cheek
"18, you look stunning"
"Thanks" 18 replied quietly, already blinking back tears
Bulma pushed her hair off of her face and carefully smoothed out the fabric of her pale purple bridesmaid dress. "Well, come on then. The King is inside waiting for his Queen" she said.
Tarie left the three out in the hall to take her seat, warn everyone that the ceremony was about to start, and save her daughter from Nison.
18 took a deep breath and linked her arm through 17's.
"Good luck sis" 17 said giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was nervous too. He had always been the man to take care of 18, now he was going to hand her over to someone else. Would he look after her the way 17 had all these years?
Flashing 18 one last smile, Bulma turned and walked into the room the ceremony was being held in. She walked up the isle and grinned wickedly at Krillen. He looked like he was about to wet himself. "Don't worry," she whispered as she took her place at the front of the room
The music changed and everyone stood up and turned their attention to the far end of the room where 17 was standing, and by his side, 18 – radiating nothing but pure beauty. Krillen felt his mouth go dry and his hands go numb. Was this really real? Could he really be here, living this fantasy that he had dreamed of since the day he first laid eyes on 18
As she walked up the isle, Krillen forced himself out of his trance and stepped forward. He briefly shook hands with 17, then took 18's hand and led her to where Bulma, Kakkarot and the priest were waiting. He could feel her hand shaking, and squeezed it tighter – reassuring her as best he could.
18 kept telling herself to breath as the priest began to speak. Welcoming family and friends to this joyous occasion. Turning her head to look at Krillen, she smiled at him. A true happy smile – hopefully the kind of smile that would be on her pretty face for many years to come.
Krillen turned to face 18, and she did the same. As he took her hands in his, Krillen fought back the urge to kiss her there and then. Settling on a smile instead. She was crying, and he wanted so badly to reach out and wipe her tears away, but he couldn't. Not yet.
"Sire, King Krillen. Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" asked the priest
Without a moment's hesitation, Krillen replied, "I do"
"And 18, do you take Krillen, King of our fair planet, to be you lawfully wedded husband?"
18 had to collect herself and overcome the tears before she replied, but when she did, her voice was fully of confidence and joy "I do"
Bowing his head briefly, the priest smiled. "Would the rings please be presented?" he asked. Bulma and Kakkarot passed the rings over, then stepped back and watched as two of their best friends became one.
"With this ring, I thee wed" Krillen spoke proudly as he slipped the gold wedding band onto 18's finger, then gently kissed the back of her hand. "In marring you, I swear to honor, love and protect you until the end of my days and beyond. Nothing bad will happen to you when I'm around; I swear it on my life. I live for you, because without you, I have no reason to live." He recited his personally written vows with a smile.
As 18 placed her ring on Krillens finger, she couldn't help the tears cascading down her cheeks. "With this ring I thee wed. I promise to love and cherish you until the end of time. I will stand by your side, as your faithful wife, in everything you set out to do. And remember, that where ever you are, you're never alone, because today I am giving my soul to you"
"If there is anyone here today who has any reason why these two should not be wed, will you please speak now or forever hold you peace" the priest asked.
Closing her eyes, 18 prayed that the next voice she heard would be the priest – that no one would have any objections to her living out her life in pure bliss. She was granted her wish, as no one in the room spoke up with any objects to the matrimony.
The priest looked at both Krillen and 18 with a smile before he spoke again. "As no one can see any reason why you should not be wed. I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride"
Krillen didn't need to be told twice. He threw his arms around 18's neck and kissed her with more passion and love then he had ever kissed her before. "I love you so much" he muttered as he briefly pulled away before kissing her again.
Everyone in the room stood up and applauded the family's newest couple. Everyone knew that this was a union that was going to last forever. Nothing – nothing at all would ever be able to break these two up.
Finally, Krillen let his wife out of his tight embrace – wife, now there was a word he would never get tired of using. Bulma was the next to lock 18 in her grip. "Congratulations" she squealed, she just loved weddings, they brought out the best in people.
"Krillen," Krillen turned when he heard his name being called. It was Kahlia calling him and Krillen wondered what she could possibly want with him, "That was beautiful" she said quietly with a smile, "18 looks stunning"
"I know" Krillen agreed.
"Thank you, Krillen," Kahlia said her voice full of heart. "For being such a man about this. I know it mustn't be easy for you, and I thank you so much for not shutting him out all together. Believe it or not, he loves you and knows what he did was wrong. He needs your forgiveness so badly right now" Kahlia pleaded with her youngest stepchild.
"But where was he Kahlia?" Krillen asked, "Where was he when we needed him? Who knows? He needs to learn that if he wants to win us back, he needs to put in the hard work and start being the father we all need him to be"
"I'll be sure to pass that on. Now go, enjoy you special day" Kahlia told him, then turned and walked toward the back of the room where her husband was hovering around the door.
"That was beautiful" Tarie said as she handed Bianca over to 17, then wrapped 18 in a hug, "I'm so happy for you"
18 wiped the remnants of the tears from her face and smiled, "Thanks. I can't believe I'm really married to him. It seems to good to be true"
~
Some time later, the small group had moved to another room in the palace where the small reception was being held. Krillen stood on and watched proudly as his wife floated around the dance floor with her brother. The smile on her face would be forever embedded into his mind.
Krillen knew that today was more than her wedding day. To 18, this day symbolized everything she had fought against so hard, not to be. Today she won and showed everyone that she could be whatever she wanted to be, regardless of where she came from or what she went through.
Walking across the room, Krillen cut in from 17, and began to glide his wife around the room.
"I love you" 18 told him, smiling through tears that were threatening to fall.
"It's alright" Krillen reassured her, as he softly kissed her, "It's ok. I love you so much"
They danced for what seemed like hours, but was in fact only minutes – to lost in each other to even acknowledge their friends and family. Right now, in their world, they were the only two who existed, and that suited them just fine.
The song ended and a round of applause took its place. Blinking, the newlyweds looked around, they hadn't even noticed everyone intently watching them. Embarrassed, 18 buried her head in Krillens shoulder and laughed.
Krillen took this as his opportunity to thank everyone, and produced a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket. Clearing his throat as he unfolded the paper, he began to read.
"I'm sorry if this isn't very long or good, but as I'm sure you're all well aware, I've had quite a full day today and speech writing wasn't scheduled into my agenda. First and foremost, I want to thank my beautiful wife 18, because without her, we wouldn't all be here to celebrate today. I want to say thanks to you all for being here to help 18 and I celebrate the start of our life together – it really means a lot to us that you are all here to share this special day with us. Kakkarot, for being both my best mate and my best man, hopefully someday I'll be able to return the favor. 17, for looking after 18 for all those years, I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough, and for letting me be the one who will take care of her from now on, I promise I wont let you down. Vegeta, I know we haven't always gotten along, but Namek changed all that, you helped me to see just how lucky I am to have what I have and to have the family I have, and I truly thank you for that"
He paused and looked across at his brother, who looked back and flashed him a small, but acknowledging smile.
Bulma walked across the room, holding a camera in her hands. "I don't want my picture taken Bulma" 18 protested.
"Yes you do" Bulma argued with her
"Yeah, come on babe, you look to beautiful not to have your picture taken"
Rolling her eyes, 18 knew she was beat, so she let Krillen take hold of her and Bulma snapped the shot. "Beautiful" she said with a smile, "That's going to be a great one. Now we need a big group shot"
"More photos?" 18 complained as Bulma walked off to gather everyone she wanted in the shot.
"You're so beautiful" Krillen said, as he kissed 18 for the millionth time that day.
"How are you feeling?" asked 18, running her hands through Krillens hair
"Exhausted" replied Krillen resting his head on her shoulder.
18's eyes scanned the walls and came to rest on the clock, it was getting late, it was almost 8 O'clock, and Krillen had been up since 5 that morning. "We'll head off soon ok" she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and began to sway to the gentle music floating throughout the room.
"No, this is your special day, I want you to enjoy it with everyone"
"Krillen, I have enjoyed it with everyone, but now, I want to enjoy it with just you"
Krillen smiled, understanding what she meant.
Bulma returned then, with 17, Tarie, Bianca, Vegeta, Kakkarot and her mother in tow. "Alright guys, mum is going to take the photo, so everybody group up and say cheese"
The whole group quickly got into a big group pose, and after much persuasion, Bulma finally got Vegeta smile. Krillen stood in the middle, holding 18 in his arms, and everyone else was huddled around them wearing big happy smiles on their faces. This was a joyous occasion, and everyone was making it a day to remember.
"Say cheese!" Bunny called from behind the camera
"Cheese!" they all cried happily as Bunny clicked the button and the flash blinded them for a second.
"That was great, you can move now" Bunny informed them. Everybody did move, but Krillen – he stayed right where he was.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, family friends" Krillen spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "18 and I would like to thank you all for being here today, but it is – I'm afraid, time for us to leave"
Bulma wiped a tear from her eye and looked across at Vegeta. He may have been a bit of a jerk at times, but she loved him more than anything. "Bye guys!" she called out, then began to clap. Everyone else soon followed suit.
"Bye" 18 said with a wave, as Krillen carried her out of the room, away from her past, away from her demons and away from everything wrong in her life. Towards her future – a future which consisted of nothing but happiness, surprises and fun. And most of all, consisted of Krillen.
~The End***
A/N: Well, there you have it – the last chapter of And Then You'll Know. What did you all think? I really really really hope that you all enjoyed it and it was the outcome you were hoping for.
There will be a short Epilogue coming in the next few days, and also with that will be the rather long list of thank-you's and whatnot.
It really is a weird feeling knowing that this is finally complete, as it's been such a big part of my life for the past 18 months. But a new story shall begin soon, and I know that I am going to enjoy that one as much as I have enjoyed this one.
Thank you all so much for sticking with me through this. It is only my 2nd story with multiple chapters. My first A/U, my first shot at writing Chi-chi, Bulma, Goku and Vegeta as major character and my first try and making and elaborating my own characters and I have received nothing but positive feedback from you all and for that I thank you so much – without all our your kind, ongoing support And Then You'll Know would not have become what it did.
Thank you all so much
~Deadly Beauty