Author's note: Thanks to my readers and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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The Namekian struggled to process all the mind blowing information told to him about himself and Goku. Slowly he looked down at his green hands and bent his fingers, staring at his long and sharp nails. Images of the various faces of humans and other natives of the earth who had reacted in horror at his strange appearance flashed in his mind.
It all makes sense why I never fit here. I don't even belong to this planet. Piccolo gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into a fists at the thought.
Chichi used the opportunity of the villain's silence to speak.
"You have some nerve to show your face here on my land after the way you treated my friend Goku, Piccolo."
Her words broke Piccolo from his thoughts.
He glared daggers at her.
"Your land, huh?" He scoffed.
Not for long. One day this planet will be all mine and I will remember to pay you back for your disrespect, if I haven't killed you by then.
"Yes, my land." She answered back at him with her hands on her hips. She then pointed at her home.
"And that right there is my castle. You need to leave. You're not welcome here."
Piccolo menacingly chuckled at her.
"I noticed that you and this Vegeta guy here were getting awfully chummy up there in the air earlier, Princess. It almost made me want to hurl. I see now how it is with you. One guy with a tail refuses you so you go and find yourself a replacement. Classy." Mocked the green villain with a sneer.
Flames of fire burned in Chichi's dark eyes and she growled. Glowing red spheres of energy wildly ignited and flared in her hands. She took a step forward, wishing to clobber the alien.
Vegeta raised a shaking arm, blocking her from stepping any further.
The prince's face now no longer held amusement, but instead a severe look.
"Careful, with what you say around me, Namek. I don't want to have to kill you just yet and miss out on the fun of fighting you."
Piccolo's onyx eyes went to Vegeta's trembling arm, a glimmer of hope slowly spread on the Namekian's face at the sight.
Vegeta smirked, not missing the look on Piccolo's face and how his gaze was glued to his arm. He chuckled to himself.
"Tch. Oh, don't fool yourself by believing you could beat me, even in the stupid physical state I'm in now." Said Vegeta in a condescending tone.
One of Piccolo's brow ridges nervously twitched in response and he took a defensive fighting position.
"I could kill you now with one blast of my hand if I wanted." Gloated Vegeta. "But where would the fun be in that?"
Piccolo smiled cruelly at Vegeta.
"Oh, you're strong. No question about that, but how do I know you're not bluffing? In fact, I bet with the shape you're in now your bark is far worse than your bite, Saiyan."
Vegeta turned to his side and took a fighting stance, powering up with a confident smile.
"Don't believe me? Fine by me. It's your life you're throwing away, not mine. Care to have a go at it, then? Are you certain you want to risk your life on the small chance that you're correct, Namekian?"
The smile on Piccolo's face faded quickly and he stood up straight as he felt Vegeta's enormous power growing by the second.
Piccolo gave a scoff and then crossed his arms. He then closed his eyes and powered up. His white cape billowed behind him, thanks to his clear ki flowing underneath his feet.
"Waste of time if you ask me. I only came here to see who's power it was that I felt. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't Goku. He's my first priority. Once he's out of the picture then you'll be next." Threatened Piccolo and then he blasted his way up to the sky, flying away.
The prince crackled a bit, arms crossed and watching the Namekian disappear from view with a twinkle.
"Yes, play it smart and fly off. That's exactly what I thought." He taunted. "Pathetic."
Turning around he looked at Chichi.
"So, I was right in my guessing that you and the Namekian possess the skill to detect power levels without the need of a scouter.
I figured that was the case after you were able to detect where I was during our small training session together."
The princess's hand went to her elbow and she turned her head a bit to the side.
"Yeah? I figured you knew how to do that too. And... A Scouter? What's that?"
"That device that covered my eye when I crashed my ship. It reads and detects power levels."
"Oh! So that's what that thing was!" Chichi remarked. "I just guessed it was some weird sort of alien fashion accessory."
Vegeta stared at her in response in mild embarrassment at the idea and the princess then laughed loudly at the thought, partially covering her mouth and bending over in laughter.
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With the goal in mind of the Princess teaching Vegeta how to sense power levels tomorrow, the two headed off inside the castle, both hungry and ready for lunch.
As they sat down at the large table across from one another they were served their meal and drink.
Vegeta considered if now was the right time to ask her to join him in his mission and in marriage. They were practically alone again and this time hopefully they wouldn't be interrupted.
With a wobbly hand, Vegeta shoved a big steaming dumpling into his mouth with a pair of chopsticks and glanced up at her.
She was frowning and her food remained untouched. Her brows were furrowed as she stared off into space at her father's empty chair.
"What's troubling you, woman?" He asked with his mouth full before swallowing.
Her eyes met Vegeta's and Chichi then realized he was watching her. Shyly she looked down and taking her chopsticks she began playing a little with her food, moving it here and there on her plate.
"Oh, it's just ... I wonder what my dad has been doing lately. I've hardly had a chance to speak to him. He's been awfully busy, but I'm not sure with what. Normally he's not so preoccupied with kingly duties."
Chichi let out a heavy sigh and took a big bite of rice.
Vegeta opened his mouth to give an attempt at some comforting words.
"Dearest daughter, I have a surprise for you!" Sang the booming Ox king's voice before he was seen walking through the huge dining room doors.
Startled and with big eyes, Chichi sat up straight, her mouth full and still working on chewing her rice.
"Ta-dah." Sang the Ox king and then suddenly gathered in twenty or so handsome young men into the spacious dining room.
The dreamy look on the princess's face as she was dazzled by the attractive men standing next to her father didn't go unnoticed by Vegeta.
He scowled at the men and clenched his hand that held his chopsticks, crushing most of the eating utensils into dust.
Bunch of stupid pretty boys that remind me of Zarbon. The Prince mentally spat.
Breaking free from their enchantment on her, Chichi looked at her father in confusion, waiting for an explanation of who these men were that she didn't know.
"Sweetie, don't be mad, but I've been busy making calls. All these men have arrived from all sorts of different countries around the world and they are all Princes! Every one of them wants your hand in marriage, but of course, it is up to you to decide which one you would like to marry."
Chichi instantly choked on the rice she was swallowing and quickly sipped on her water to keep her food down. She then let out a few coughs, clearing her throat.
"Dad, can I speak to you privately? Please?" She frantically asked, smiling nervously in embarrassment.
"Uh. Sure, Pumpkin?" Answered the king who was confused at her less than joyous reaction to his surprise for her.
Quickly Chichi ran over to her giant father and took him by the hand.
"Do pardon us, please gentlemen," Chichi said grinning anxiously at the group of gorgeous Princes looking at her with dashing smiles. She lead her father who was behind her speedily out of the room.
Now alone with the Saiyan the men stared at Vegeta, bewildered and frightened at the murderous look he held in his eyes.
Vegeta slowly stood up, very intimidating to the Princes, despite his short stature.
The Saiyan brought a fist of his to his hand and cracked his knuckles before smiling venomously at the men.
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Chichi closed the doors to the dining room and then turned around, her back pressed against the doors. She and her father were now standing alone in the large hallway.
"Dad, I don't want you to take this the wrong way. I appreciate the sentiment of the surprise, specially since you know how I've been feeling about myself lately after Goku rejected me. You know, that no man will ever like me and stuff."
The Ox king slowly nodded.
Her eyes bashfully went down to her feet and her cheeks turned rosy.
"Well, I think things have been changing for me recently. Perhaps. I haven't had a chance to tell you since you've been so busy."
"Changing how, Cupcake?"
Chichi shyly twiddled her fingers.
"I-I think Vegeta might be interested in me."
LIES. Screamed her internal bullying voice.
Oh, hush. The princess replied in annoyance. I don't want to hear what you have to say.
Stunned at the news, her father looked at her blankly before a large smile broke across his face.
He took her into his massive hands and spun happily as he held her.
"Are you serious? That's great news, honey!"
Chichi giggled at her father's ecstatic reaction as they spinned.
"Yes, dad. Now, please put me down before I get sick."
"Oh, right."
He gently set her down and Chichi then placed a hand on one of the dining room doors at her side, trying to keep from wobbling as her world was spinning.
Thoughts about the last time Chichi had her hopes up about a man sprang to the Ox king's mind and his demeanor became serious.
"Are you sure he really feels that way about you, daughter? I don't want you hurt again."
She nodded bashfully, remembering Vegeta taking her hand.
"There's a strong chance. And he's been teaching me lots too. Very sweet of him. Here, let me show you."
Chichi flew herself off the ground in front of her father, orbs of yellow energy shining brightly in her hands.
Awestruck and speechless her father watched her.
"I haven't got a chance to tell you that Vegeta has been teaching me some things like flying and shooting energy blasts and I've been teaching him things too."
With a trembling lip, tears fell and streamed down the Ox king's face, making Chichi frown and extinguish the spheres of glowing energy in her hands at the sight.
"Dad, what's wrong? Are you oka-"
In the blink of an eye her father's colossal arms wrapped around her tightly, but comfortably so as she was floating in mid-air.
"My daughter can fly and release energy attacks! I couldn't be more proud!" He wailed through happy tears. "Oh, I can't wait to tell Master Roshi this! My daughter! Mine!"
A sound of a loud commotion in the dining room was heard, stilling the king. Worry seized the two royals and the Ox king set Chichi down. Then the screams of a bunch of men were heard coming from the room.
"And if any of you return, I won't be as merciful and spare your lives the next time!" Yelled Vegeta's voice.
The princess and king ran into the dining room.
"What's with all the ruckus?" Asked Ox king as he entered the room.
He and his daughter were astonished to see the room free of any princes except for the Saiyan prince who was sitting at the table nonchalantly. He was holding a spare set of chopsticks.
"No ruckus here, king." Answered Vegeta respectfully and then he popped another big dumpling into his mouth from off his plate. "The men here all merely remembered that they had some business to attend to and they asked for your pardon as they won't be returning. "
A prince with a bloody nose just then came running in from a door in the dining room that leads outdoors. His hand was clutching onto a bloody napkin which he held underneath his nose. He spotted his suit jacket on the floor and grabbed it.
Vegeta growled at him, making him jump comically in the air in fear. He then scampered hastily back out the door with a yelp.
After Chichi gave Vegeta a piece of her mind on how to treat guests the three royals ate their lunch quietly together.
The proud father refrained from speaking about marriage between the two, not wanting to risk ruining whatever was going on with them.
Finished with eating, Chichi looked over at her dad who had ate all his food from off of his enormous plate. The king was snoring away, His head resting on the table.
Vegeta was working on finishing up his fourth plate of dessert.
"Vegeta, earlier you said you had something you wanted to offer me, but then we got interrupted by Piccolo. Care to share what it was?"
Chichi was hopeful that he was going to propose, but after her experience with being wrong about Goku's feelings towards her, she wanted to play it safe.
Perhaps she was wrong again about this man's feelings towards her.
Don't want to go through that torture again. She considered, feeling her heart sting at the thought.
Vegeta was in the middle of going to shove a delicious spoonful of chocolate ice cream in his mouth, but stopped himself when he heard her question. Solemnly he put his spoon back into the bowl and looked at her.
"Yes, but is there someplace more private we can speak at first?"
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She had taken him to their library's balcony. It was one of the places she liked to go to when she needed some time to herself. It was so wonderfully vast and quiet and had a beautiful view of their flower garden down below.
"How about here?" Chichi smiled.
Vegeta nodded.
"Yes, this place will do."
He took a shaking step to her, leaving only an inch of distance between them and he looked seriously into her eyes.
Chichi's heart thumped loudly in her ears.
"Chichi, I wanted to ask you if you would join me in my journey to defeat Frieza."
A painful stab of disappointment went to her heart, but she was determined to not let it show.
He only wants me to be his fighting partner...
I mean, it's not that I won't consider helping him out to get rid of an evil bad guy, it's only the right thing to do. But this is definitely not what I had hoped to hear what he wanted to offer me.
"With the help that you have given me I know I that will be able to defeat him one day soon by strengthening myself with training," Vegeta smirked.
"Afterwards I will be taking my rightful place and will rule the galaxies. And you, you could be there right at my side, ruling along with me as my queen bride."
Chichi audibly gasped and then grinned.
"ARE YOU ASKING ME TO MARRY YOU?!" She happily demanded, her voice echoing all around them.
Vegeta chuckled at her blissful reaction, he had to admit he found her adorable right then.
"Woman, do I have to spell it out for you?" He playfully teased. "Yes. That's exactly what I am asking."
Chichi let out a squeal in delight and opened her mouth to answer him, but before she could respond the prince placed a finger on her lips.
"I don't want you to answer just yet." He said crossing his arms. "I want you to at least sleep on the question before answering tomorrow."
"What?! Why?" She asked with her hands on her hips and brows furrowed. "I already know my answer."
Turning red and avoiding her eyes Vegeta squirmed a little where he stood.
"Because It's Saiyan custom for royals to have a set time to consider a marriage proposal." He finally answered.
Chichi blushed at him.
"Awww! You think I'm worthy to share in your Saiyan customs!" She gushed and gave him a hug, cuddling her head against his chest.
Vegeta's body momentarily visibly stiffened at her affection, not used to such a thing before relaxing into her touch.
He raised a trembling hand and caressed the back of her head, running his fingers through some of her soft and dark tresses that always seemed to captivate him.
"Tch. Of course, woman! I wouldn't purpose to someone not worthy." He grunted.
Chichi's raised her head and looked into his dark orbs, eyes brimmed with tears.
"That's so sweet of you to say." She softly sniffed.
Vegeta was confused at her tears for a second until it hit him.
"Did Kakarot's refusal hurt you that much?!" He asked floored and with murderous anger flowing in him towards the lower class Saiyan.
The princess looked downwards, wanting to hide her tears in shame. She let out a sad laugh at his question and Vegeta tenderly took her chin and turned her face back at him.
"Yes." She finally answered with a quiver in her voice. "But don't be mad at Goku about it. He turned me down the nicest way possible. I guess I blame myself.
"Wait just a minute here-" Vegeta angrily began in protest.
Chichi placed a finger on his lips, stopping him from speaking further.
"No, you wait." She flirtatiously teased with a wink, leaving him dazzled and unable to function enough to speak.
"For some people like myself when you get your heart broken by rejection your mind just asks lots of questions like: Am I not good enough? Not pretty enough? What's wrong with me?
That was all my doing. Not Goku's fault. I know I didn't process his rejection the right way. I should have gotten professional help or something. Too stubborn I guess to do it. Or ashamed. Probably both." Chichi sadly sighed.
Vegeta's brows came together in indignation.
"What makes you think there's a flaw with you and not with kakarot instead? Or what if the two of you were not fated to be? Considering if you were both an item right now we would not have the chance to be together and marry?"
That's so true. Marveled the princess.
"Wow. It's true. Guess I'm not that optimistic enough to think like that." She smiled jokingly at him while wiping away her tears. "Thank you for sharing that wisdom with me."
Vegeta crossed his arms and shifted where he stood. Chichi could see in his face it looked like he had something he wanted to say.
"What is it 'Geta?" She curiously asked.
Vegeta huffed sheepishly and avoided her gaze.
"I was hoping you would allow me to kiss you without having to worry about you slapping me or shoving me off this balcony."
Chichi turned red and giggled.
"Yes you may and I will try not to." She answered. "Sometimes it just happens without thought cause I get so shy. I sometimes can't control it. Sorry."
"Is that so?" he smirked at her raising a brow.
He reached and grabbed a hold of her soft hands into his callused ones.
"Guess I'll just hold on to these for you so you won't be able to?"
Chichi gave a carefree laugh in response and nodded at him in approval.
He delicately yet passionately kissed her then. The ox princess glowed red at the kiss. It was a short kiss, but perfect in timing for the new couple.
"Our first kiss and it was so romantic too." She raved once the pleasant kiss ended. She then let out a squeal before embracing him and cuddling him, making Vegeta blush at her touch.
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Chichi couldn't stop herself from smiling as she brushed her teeth. Her mind was busy with thinking about that romantic evening she had with her Prince earlier that day. It was night now and she was getting ready for bed after taking a shower.
She was wearing a towel wrapped securely around her that covered her body.
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With the princess's approval, Vegeta had requested for his belongings in the storage to be given to him in his room. A butler had arrived and placed a box on the Prince's bed.
Vegeta stared at the cardboard box that held his stuff, fearful of what he would find, but he pushed away the dread and opened it. The prince pulled out from the box his armor and scowled at it. It really was ruined.
Burns and holes covered it. He discarded it over his shoulder and looked again inside the box. His boots and gloves were melted and no longer in any condition to use.
"Damn it!" He snarled in frustration at the sight.
At least you better still be functioning. Threatened Vegeta to his scouter while he took his boots and gloves out of the box.
His pink lensed scouter came into view and surprisingly had hardly any damage. A few scratches covered the screen and there was some small warping on the bottom part of the lense from the fire, but it seemed it still should be able to function.
Vegeta dropped his boots and gloves and let them fall at his feet. He reached for the Scouter and put it on.
Come on, work! Ordered the Prince to his scouter before pressing the button to turn it on.
The scouter's screen switched on, startling Vegeta.
He chuckled to himself.
"About time things are going my way."
His fingers moved quickly and he set his signal settings to communicate with Nappa.
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The large bald Saiyan was eating in his and Raditz's room. He was gnawing away at his meal which was a large leg of a lizard type animal.
Raditz was busy sleeping nearby.
Nappa wasn't even sure what kind of animal it was he was eating. Whatever it was it tasted horrible, but since he was so hungry he kept on eating.
"Nappa, are you there? Answer me."
Nappa spat out the meat from his mouth at the voice and threw the huge leg he had been eating at Raditz's head, waking him up.
"Whoever did that is going to pay!" Cried out in fury the waking Saiyan, not knowing what he was saying since he was still half asleep.
"Quiet you moron, it's Vegeta! He's speaking to me through my scouter."
Raditz's half-lidded eyes fully snapped open at that and he sat up.
"Yes, Prince Vegeta. I'm here." Nappa answered him reverently. "I knew you'd still be alive, my prince. I never doubted it."
"Enough with the warm formalities, Nappa." Snapped Vegeta. "Fill me in on what's been happening since I've been gone. Has Frieza said a word about me?"
Nappa gulped.
"Yes. He had some of the best in his science and tech team try to track down information about you and they were able to tell that your ship crashed on earth. Frieza said despite your loss with that soldier he still considers you much too valuable to forget. He sent me and Raditz to go and look for you. We should be there in about six months and Frieza wants us to stay on earth to wait for him his arrival soon after."
Vegeta froze.
"Frieza's... coming to earth?" Choked out the prince.
The loud terrified scream of a woman was heard in the castle, making a cold chill run up Vegeta's spine.
Chichi! He thought in panic, taking off his scouter and tossing it to his bed.
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The princess rinsed her mouth out with water and then made her way out of her bedroom's bathroom and into her room. She opened her bedroom window, tightly holding on to her towel and then a cool gust of wind entered the room from the window. It felt great since it was such a hot summer night.
She walked over to her dresser and let her towel fall down to her feet. She opened a drawer and pulled out her satin nightgown and slipped it on.
"Howdy." Said a cheerful familiar voice, making the princess scream and her eyes go big. She swiftly ran to her bed and grabbed a pillow.
"GOKU! YOU PERVERT!" She screeched, throwing her pillow at the Saiyan who was sitting on a yellow cloud outside the opened window. The pillow hit him in the face and knocked him off Nimbus.
Goku had landed on his back in the grass, seeing stars.
Chichi went to her closet and grabbed a white cotton bathrobe and quickly put it on.
"Pervert?! What?! What are you talking about?" Asked Goku who was entirely confused. He sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
"For spying on me while I was undressed you creep!" Chichi yelled, glaring down at him from the window.
"Spying?! Undressed? What?! I just got here and you already had on that weird dress thing you're wearing."
Nimbus flew down next to Goku and the warrior hopped on.
Chichi crossed her arms, thinking about what Goku said.
Well, I know Goku wouldn't lie to me and he probably wouldn't be able to still ride Nimbus if he intentionally had been looking at me naked.
"I'm sorry, Goku. I believe you. Are you okay?" The princess asked.
The yellow cloud carrying Goku floated him up to her window and Goku was rubbing his head where he could feel a bump was forming.
"Yeah, it's okay. I've survived way worse falls than that. I'm fine."
"Glad to hear. So why on earth are you here so late?" Asked Chichi. "And hello there Nimbus!"
Chichi smiled fondly at the cloud and gave him a few affectionate pets.
The princess's bedroom door then slammed open, startling Goku and Chichi.
Vegeta's eyes quickly darted around the room, searching for what had scared his soon-to-be fiancee.
His eyes landed on Goku, just from his wild Saiyan hair the prince knew who he was.
Kakarot. He thought darkly.
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Author's note: Lots happened in this chapter. I'd love to hear your thoughts. :-)
Some of you wondered if Goku was going to show up. Haha! Well now ya know! ;) :)