Three Rivers of Remembrance

Chapter Eleven

The girls arrived back at the Lookout at four-fifteen. They were astonished to find it completely transformed. Bulma was there, making the last minute arrangements to the flowers.

Everywhere, flowers. White, yellow, red, blue…every color imaginable. "This is incredible." Rideria said.

"I did a good job, huh!" Bulma said. "Come on now, no time to gawk. Your bridegrooms will be here any minute. Get to the back!" She ushered them away, remarking about how beautiful their dresses were.

One by one, the guests arrived. Krillin brought ChiChi and Goten. Next were Tien, Chiaotzu and Yamcha. At the very last minute, Vegeta arrived with his son Trunks. He didn't want to miss the meal.

At a quarter till five, Piccolo and the other men arrived. "Wow!" Goku said. "Look at that spread of food!" He drooled. "Hey, Krillin! I got dibs on the chicken!"

Krillin laughed. "I'll fight you for the drumstick!"

Silently, Gohan walked around looking at the flowers. He knew Rhyne loved flowers and she would have loved to see this day come for her sister. Perhaps even for her. "Gohan, I need to speak to you." Piccolo said.

"Sure." Gohan replied.

They went into the hallway. "Gohan, I need to tell you something, but you must keep it a secret for me." Piccolo said. "Rideria is also getting married today. But, Kaizer doesn't know yet. It was a surprise to her until just a while ago. I thought it best to go ahead and allow it."

Gohan smiled. "It's the right thing to do, Piccolo." He said. "I know they will make good husbands and fathers."

"I believe you are correct." Piccolo said. "And when Rhyne gets back, you will make a good husband and father as well."

"If that is what she wants." Gohan said sadly. "Right now, I just have to make it through the next nine months until we can call on the Dragonballs. It's hard."

"I know." Piccolo said. "I think of her every moment of every day." Piccolo motioned for Gohan to return to the others. "It's time."

Gohan nodded and went back out front, standing by his mother and father and brother.

Bulma had a small stereo system there and put in a CD of beautiful and melodic music. Everyone stood up and watched the doorway. Within seconds, they could seen, Rikola and Rideria, each on one of Piccolo's arms. He was dressed in his usual attire, white turban and cape, but somehow he looked different. Perhaps it was the look of pride on his face as he slowly presented his daughters to the waiting crowd.

Kaizer was shocked as he saw Rideria. She smiled and gave him a wink, hoping he wouldn't make a run for it.

Gowan smiled, seeing how beautiful Rikola looked. He stood tall and waited for her to become his wife.

Standing all together, Kami began. "Piccolo, do you give these girls, Rideria and Rikola, to be married to Kaizer and Gowan?"

Piccolo nodded. "I do." In a moment that shocked everyone present, Piccolo reached down and gave a tender kiss on the cheek of each girl. "You will always be mine." He smiled. Carefully, he took their hands. He gave Rideria's to Kaizer. "Remember, you'll still have me to answer to." He said, then turned and gave Rikola's hand to Gowan. "You too."

The ceremony was brief. Within a few short minutes, the couples were married. Piccolo felt a huge sadness, similar to the way he felt after fighting Frieza. He was going to be alone again, no children to train. Oh well, he had put in his time. Perhaps after Rhyne returned, he would spend some time in the mountains in meditation.

It was well past midnight before everyone left. Everyone ate, except the Nameks of course, until there was no food left. Then, they danced. The newlyweds and several of the visitors. Finally, Kami announced it was time to bring it to a close and one by one everyone left.

Mr. Popo had prepared a series of rooms, far in the back, for the newlyweds and escorted them back as soon as the last guest had gone.

Gohan, Kami and Piccolo remained to clean up the mess of the party.

That night, Kaizer proved his undying love to his new bride in ways she never dreamed possible. "I will love you forever." He told her, kissing her neck. She giggled. "You better. Cause if you don't, my father will hunt you down and cut it off!"

"I like it when you threaten me." He kidded. "Now, let's see if we can't produce a playmate for your sister's baby."

Down the hall, Gowan and Rikola got to know each other better than ever before. There was no guilt, no worry and no shame in the way they made love. Gowan, being careful due to the baby, wanted to take all of Rikola's troubles away. "You know, the next few months will go by faster than you think." He reminded. "Boy or girl?"

"Ummmm……It doesn't really matter to me." She smiled. "As long as it has my good looks!"

"Are you saying I'm not pretty?" Gowan teased.

"Oh, you are very pretty to me." Rikola said. "Now, finish what you started, cause I'm getting sleepy."

"You're kidding, right?" Gowan asked. "We've waited all this time….and you're sleepy?"

"Heck, I'm sleeping for two! Don't mess with me or you'll have a honeymoon for one!" She told him.

"I love it when your temper flares." Gowan grabbed her gently by the arms and held her down on the bed. "Now, stay away long enough for me to claim my wife, then you can sleep all you want!"

Rikola giggled loudly as his lips tickled her neck. "I think I can stay awake…."

The girls and their new husbands tried to settle into life on the Lookout. Time seemed to pass slowly, watching Rikola's stomach grow, and waiting for the time when Rhyne could be brought back.

All the while, they searched for Tekoa. He had not been found, and unless he had stolen a ship from somewhere, he was still on this planet. Every day, Piccolo went out and searched, never giving up on finding his daughter's murderer.

When the time came, Gohan started school, only because of his scholarship. He kept a C average, which was barely enough to keep him enrolled. It was nowhere near the straight A's he was used to. But, his heart was with Rhyne, not in his lessons.

It was a cold and rainy morning, just a few days before Christmas, when Rikola's baby was born. Kami was there to help, but called on Bulma and ChiChi for backup.

The birth was easy, which was a relief to everyone. The first baby born from a Namekian woman in hundreds of years entered the world with a hearty cry and a perfectly developed body.

She was perfect. Gowan held the little girl first, but soon passed her to Piccolo, who had stood awkwardly to the side, knowing it was not his place to interfere. Not any more.

Piccolo stood there, the baby in his arms, while Gowan and Rikola talked briefly. "Father, we've come up with a name." Rikola said smiling.

"What?" Piccolo asked.

"How about Raina?" She said. "I think it is so appropriate."

Piccolo nodded. "It sounds fine." He said, staring down into the face of the tiny girl. He remembered seeing his own girls for the first time. How scared he actually was, but refused to admit.

Reluctantly, Piccolo handed Raina back to her mother. "I should go. Gohan is waiting for word."

"Father…." Rikola said. "Thank you."

He looked at her curiously. "For what?" He asked.

"For being my father." She said, smiling.

He nodded briefly and left, hoping they didn't pick up on his emotional state.

THANKS FOR READING! PLEASE REVIEW!---hehehe! TWIST is coming up in the next chapter!---get ready! It's not over yet!