Chapter 7: Before It Begins
It was finally my 18th birthday next week, I was so scared. Dad was going to throw me a party, like always, but I suggested something else. I asked if we could have a small tournament. Any boy who could beat me I would consider if he could be my husband. Surprising dad agree. Good, because I knew no boy in my village was stronger than me. It would be an easy win for me. But I was surprised that Li was on the list of guys who was taking part.
I was starting to feel some type of panic. Doubts started to show itself. What if he wins? What if dad tells me I had to marry him on the spot? What if… what if I could never see my Goku again? Tears started to slide down my cheeks, as I began to sob heavily into him pillow. I can't allow that to happen. I just won't!
During this week, until my birthday, I'm going to train extra hard. I can't let anyone beat me. I am the strongest female of my village, and it's going to stay that way.
…
"Goku, are you excited?"
"Why's that Kami?"
"The tournament is only a few months away now." At the news my face lit up. It's finally almost here. I need to get some extra heavy training in before the day. I can't wait!
"Kami, do you think I can try the ROSAT again before the tournament?"
"I'm sorry Goku, you can't. Have you forgotten the rules of that room?" At that I frown, how could I forget. So I got back up, and started my katas till lunch.
…
It's the day before my birthday, and I was walking the halls with a big smile. I was so proud of myself, for I finally mastered a new technique. After dad taught me about life energy, which is also called ki to some, I tried putting it to practice. I practice using it intertwine with my fighting style. I also learned more about channeling my chakras.
Day in and day out I practiced till my energy flowed as I landed every strike. Now as I take a break before my birthday, I walked around the castle. Then I turned the corner, and spotted father. He was speaking to one of the young maids. How dishonorable. And yet I was told I had to be a proper princess. So why can everyone else do they please, without care.
I then left without being seen, and as I continued walking, I could hear people whispering about me. "Did the king really think anyone could beat her? What a waste? She'll never find a husband." "What a shame she has such a temper? I'll feel sorry for any man who marries that." "Did you hear?" "Hear what?" "She hasn't slept with anyone yet. What a stuck-up bitch." "I agree." "She thinks that she's so proper, so reserved. But who can forget that showy outfit she worn as a child?" "Oh, don't remind me. She still acts like a child." "I know, right? Especially still believing that stupid promise to a boy all those years ago." "Exactly. He probably doesn't remember her. Heck. I bet he done it with other women already."
And after that last comment I ran at full speed to my room. How could they? My father apologized for all his wrong doing. He even went as far as doing what he can to help everyone. On top of that I been nothing but nice to them.
Just as I reached my room, I spotted Li next to my door. He had a grin on his face as walked away. I went into my room and found a box on my bed. When I opened it, it was one of those showy customs. I got so angry. I then threw it out my window. How dare he!
I just couldn't take it anymore. Tomorrow, at my birthday tournament, I'll make sure he understands who he's messing with.
…
Today I feel so on edge, and I don't understand. I wasn't training or anything. Today was my relax day, so, I should relax. But it's strange that I feel this edginess, this eagerness to punch someone merciless. I haven't felt that since fighting King Piccolo. Maybe it's just due to the tournament closing in. But really, I don't understand why I'm just so on edge. Yesterday I was fine, but just not right now. Whatever it is, I hope these feelings ends.
This edginess and uneasiness is really bothering me, not even meditation helps. On top of that, I was getting angrier by the passing minutes. I don't know how but, it felt something was giving off that energy, and it's really affecting me.
…
Li was my next opponent, and I was feeling on edge. I had already taken down the first two easily, but strangely I felt on edge with him. "Fight!" With as much speed I could master, I went in for the attack. He didn't even see if coming, and within seconds he was out of the ring. "Winner, once again, Princess Ox Chichi!" The tournament was then announced it will resume the next day. Well, that is because there were more men trying to win me over. Most of them came from my village, some from another kingdom all together.
The next few days was brutal as I defeated every one of the males, who challenged me for my hand in marriage. Well, there was one person I hoped would show up. Yet he never did. I was very disappointed, and dad kept insisting I take one of the losers to be my husband. I just couldn't.
…
Why did I feel sad out of nowhere? I was in the middle of doing another set of katas, when an overwhelming sadness fell upon me. This was just too weird.
…
The week before the tournament I decided to set out to find him. Maybe when I do, we can enter the tournament together. And while we're waiting our turns, we could spend time together. Maybe I get to kiss him. With those thoughts running through my head, I couldn't help by giggle. Maybe he'll kiss me. That thought made me blush and having a huge smile.
As I traveled to where dad said his old sparring partner lived, I felt my heart beat racing. What if he's there? What if he's waiting for me? Of course, he's waiting for me! After all, we made a promise. I do everything I can to keep my promises. And how dad speaks about Gohan, I'm sure he taught him to keep his promises, too.
The moment I realized I was closing in on Mt Paozu, my excitement grew. Once I made it to where dad said it'll be, I was soon disappointed. Goku wasn't here, after all. I did a look around the clearing, and enjoyed my surroundings. Then a thought occur. When me and Goku gets married we'll live out here. It's so far from cities and towns, but it's just so peaceful. There's also so much to do around. Like endless hikes, and even train together. And when we have kids!
Oh my! The kids would love it here. So much room to play, and explore. I could just picture it now. A big oh happy family, enjoying the outdoors. And when they get old enough, they can train with me and Goku, and even spar. It'll be so amazing. I can't wait!
…
Now that's weird. Why do I feel excited? And I'm not talking about getting into a fight excited. Or the type of excitement I get when I see food. This excitement feels, happy yet bubbly. Whatever this excitement is, I like it. It's just weird that it happened so random.