Of Two Hearts
Chapter 20: Birth of Sentiment
The time for Goku to escape was now. The calm breeze of the approaching months of spring rocked the prisoners in the dungeon to sleep. They faced true serenity for once. But instead of enjoying himself like the other prisoners, Goku saw the opportunity for his escape. The rising moon didn't light up the dungeon as it usually did. Tonight, the moon was merely a silver crescent in the sky. The dark atmosphere of the dungeon was a perfect disguise for Goku. He levitated and quietly soared to the window near the dungeon's ceiling.
He gripped the wooden beams, and felt that they were weak. He quietly pulled them apart, and when they cracked, he ripped them off the stone cutaway. He dived through the cutaway, bringing his knees to his chin, and rolled onto the grass.
He did it. He finally escaped. Now it was time to enjoy freedom.
Goku quietly wandered in the night. The only sounds were the gentle swishes of blades of grass, and faint music coming from inside the Ox-King's palace. The music, people, and bright light attracted Goku to the window. He got up close to it and peeked inside. There were lots of people and the rooms were decorated very beautifully. The musicians played their beautiful songs and the people danced gracefully on the floor.
Goku had been skimming the room, but his eyes lingered at one person, and he felt stunned, unable to breathe. He only watched that one person dance gracefully, and thought he had never known how beautiful Chi-Chi was.
But there was something else. She was dancing with another man.
Goku watched curiously as the duo danced, and they made it look good. Both were swanlike and careful in their steps and movements. Goku wished he were the one dancing with Chi-Chi. An intense longing to be with her overtook him, and he sighed. He continued to gaze at her, and then he noticed something. Chi-Chi wasn't happy…
Despite her position, the fact she was at a fun party, and dancing with a guy that any other girl would love to dance with, Chi-Chi just wasn't happy. Her face was nonchalant.
Goku wondered why…
Soon, the Ox-King had announced his word that Chi-Chi's dancing partner was actually a Chinese prince and she was betrothed to him. Goku didn't know what that meant, but he thought it was bad, because the stunned and shocked look on Chi-Chi's face made him worry.
Goku could sense her misery, and the fact she felt she had to get away. Get away from everything, everyone, the realization of the betrothal… And Chi-Chi did. Goku saw Chang's concern and his inquiry.
"I… I need to be alone. I'm going out for some fresh air," Chi-Chi had said as she walked briskly to the door.
***
The door to the back court opened, and a path of light from the celebration covered an area of grass. Chi-Chi stepped out into the cool, night air and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the nearby stone wall and sunk to her knees, devastated. Her hands were in her lap, and they clutched at the material of her dress. She thought about what just happened. This was not supposed to happen. She couldn't be destined to become Chang's wife.
Yet, was it too late to change that too?
She didn't know that Goku was nearby, concerned and watching.
Goku felt his hand reach out towards Chi-Chi, even though they were several feet apart. His extended hand clenched into a fist, and he brought it back to his chest. He knew he had to help her.However, just as soon as Goku rose to head towards her, the back door opened. Goku ducked and crawled to the opposite side of the wall. He heard someone step out onto the grass. Great, what perfect timing.
"There you are. What's the matter?" a voice asked.
Then Goku heard Chi-Chi's bitter response: "Nothing's wrong, Chang. Leave me."
Chang?
Goku sneaked to the edge of the wall and took a peek around the corner. He looked at Chang curiously. This was the man Chi-Chi was betrothed to. Yet, it was because of this that Chi-Chi was unhappy. Therefore, Goku assumed, he was not good.
Chi-Chi's response didn't affect Chang. He tilted his head and smiled. "Aw, come on. You should've told me you were ill. Look, I want to show you the other things I bought for you."
Chi-Chi looked up at him, confused. "Other things you bought me?"
Chang pointed to her outfit. "I got you that from the Americas. It's the latest style over there, and it's popular with the wealthy ladies. I bought you more things."
Chi-Chi's liking for the outfit suddenly dwindled, and she sighed, assuming Chang had bought her other expensive things to win her over. Chang held out a hand for her to take, but Chi-Chi ignored the gesture and stood up by herself. "My carriage is over by the apple tree," Chang told her, as he led her through the darkness. Chi-Chi absentmindedly followed him, preparing to feign gratitude when she received his gifts.
In a few minutes, Chang had stopped by his dark carriage, which was decorative and fit for a prince. The horse at the head of the carriage was lazily munching on the grass. Chang patted its head and then opened the door. "I thought you might like some more clothes and perfumes and things like that," he said, his voice muffled.
Half his body was sprawled in the carriage, as he appeared to be struggling with a heavy item. "Could you come over here and help me?" he grunted.
Chi-Chi uncrossed her arms and went over to where Chang was. He was trying to pull a large chest out from the other side. He scooted over and moved his hands from the golden ring to the other side of it.
Chi-Chi grabbed the ring and began to pull nonchalantly, but she soon discovered she was doing all the work. She stopped pulling and looked up at Chang, irritated. "What are you…?"
She trailed off, seeing Chang was not helping her, and that he had a strange look on his face. His expression seemed sinister, and a fire of passion burned in his eyes. He moved his hand from the ring to her wrist, and seized it.
Chi-Chi tried to yank her wrist from his grip, but Chang was too strong. He pulled her forwards, so she would lose her balance, which she did. He knew she would scream, and clamped his free hand over her mouth.
Chang, being in complete control over her, pushed her inside the carriage, and maneuvered himself so he cradled her. He continued his firm hold and merely smiled at the intense anger displayed on his victim's face.
"Don't be that way, love. I'll be gentle if you want me to," he said.
Chi-Chi bit Chang's hand hard, and he hissed, pulling it away from Chi-Chi's mouth. Chi-Chi quickly took in her breath and began to shout for help, but Chang took his other hand and clamped it over her mouth. His other hand was used to hold her wrists down, and now that they were free, Chi-Chi began to punch Chang and kicked her legs, hoping a kick would fall in between Chang's legs.
All right, so Chi-Chi was tougher than Chang had calculated. He wrestled with her until he had her in a solid pin. He was tired of his hands getting bit, so he replaced his hand with his lips, hoping a deep kiss would be the thing to calm Chi-Chi down.
It didn't work; she bit his tongue even harder than when she bit his hand.
This time, Chang couldn't hold back a scream, and he recoiled. Chi-Chi got up and sprung herself towards him, aiming a twin jump kick to his face. Chang's cry was gurgled due to the blood Chi-Chi's kick withdrew.
***
Goku had been trying to see if the coast was clear. He knew Chang had come to see Chi-Chi, and they talked for a moment before leaving together. Goku was waiting for the right moment to leave.
However, now he was sitting still, alert to a new feeling. Suddenly, his brain began to reel at a sensation. Panic impulses surged in his mind, and he realized they were not his own. Thoughts of danger and escape jumped around in his mind, but they didn't belong to him. A sensation was bringing these things to him, and he knew what that meant.
Chi-Chi was in trouble.
Goku stood up, sensing Chi-Chi's predicament, and anger began a dangerous path flowing in his bloodstream. He was going to kill whoever caused Chi-Chi's unhappiness.
***
Chang's body slammed against the carriage door, and he growled, wiping the blood from his lips. He glared at Chi-Chi, who returned the same expression. "That's the way you want to be, huh?" he hissed. "I tried to be nice, but you obviously have other intents."
"Yes, like getting the heck away from you," Chi-Chi said, and turned to open the opposite carriage door. However, the large chest was blocking the locks and would not budge the door.
"Great," Chi-Chi grumbled, and then spun her head around as she saw Chang's shadow approaching. An angry look crossed her face as she saw Chang leap towards her.
"Get away from me!" she screamed, and struck his face with a reverse side kick. Chang fell backwards again, grunting as his body slammed against the carriage door again. But he only slammed it for a second, as the door was swung open.
Actually, to be accurate, Goku tore the door off.
Goku glared down at a bloody Chang on the ground, and stepped on his stomach forcefully. "What have you done?!" he yelled. Chang tried to speak, but Goku quickly got down on his knee and seized his throat angrily.
He clutched it tightly, his fingers pressing into Chang's pressure points. Goku could see Chang's face was turning red, and could feel his veins throbbing beneath his touch. "If I ever see you near Chi-Chi, don't think I will hesitate to break your neck!" Goku warned, and let Chang go.
He stood up and looked inside the carriage curiously, but he teetered backwards suddenly, and he was surprised to see that Chi-Chi had clung to him in a grateful embrace. As Chi-Chi hung onto him, Goku felt she was trembling, and that her heartbeat was racing. Was she afraid? Goku tried to pull away to ask if she was okay, and he gave her a concerned look.
Chi-Chi didn't see Goku's concern, as she drew back her left arm and then drove a power-packed fist straight into the jaw of an approaching Chang. Chang let out a cry of pain as he rolled backwards. Goku helped Chi-Chi out of the carriage and then growled at Chang. It seemed he had not learned his lesson. Goku was about to yell at Chang, but Chi-Chi stepped forward in a fighting stance.
"Coward!" she shouted to Chang. "A real fighter never attacks from the rear! Now arise and fight!"
Goku blinked at Chi-Chi. "Uh, Chi, what are you doing?"
Chi-Chi was looking at Chang, who slowly stood up, and she glanced at Goku. "He tried to force himself on me. This is my fight."
Goku didn't know what it meant for a man to try to force himself on a woman, but he knew that it was bad, hence Chi-Chi's anger and her screams. He placed a hand on Chi-Chi's shoulder and their eyes met.
"I'll handle him for what he's done," Goku said seriously. "He won't get away."
Chi-Chi knew Goku wanted to protect her, but she still was determined. "But I want to fight…"
Chang laughed diabolically, even though he was secretly afraid. "Who's going to fight me? Come, I don't care if it's a team battle."
Goku glared at him, and then looked at Chi-Chi pleadingly. "Please," he said softly. "Let me be your hero."
Chi-Chi slipped out of her fighting stance, won over by Goku's appearance and his desire to protect her. She nodded at Goku and stepped aside. Admiration for Goku stirred up inside of her as she watched.
Chang charged towards Goku and swung his fists aimlessly. Goku sidestepped his punches and kicked the back of his head, sending Chang to the ground. It hardly took any effort to hurt Chang. He obviously wasn't a fighter, and Goku knew this battle would be over quickly. Chang, however, wouldn't stand for this humiliation. He jumped to his feet, yelling in agony and determination. He trembled slightly as he growled at Goku. Goku looked at him in disgust. He thought he had never seen a more despicable person. He knew another one of Chang's useless punches would be coming, and when it did, he did an upper block, followed by his finishing move: a punch, using half his power, to Chang's face.
With a final cry of misery, Chang flew backwards, blood spurting from his face. He rolled on the ground twice before coming to a complete stop, unconscious.
It was at that moment that a crowd had exited the palace and stood in disbelief at the fight.
***
The Ox-King was at the head of the crowd, and he was suspicious at the scene. An open carriage, with Chi-Chi standing a little far off of it, a determined look on her face. Goku standing a few feet away from Chang, a bloody fist raised to his chest, an angry look on his face. There was also blood on the ground and Chang lay out cold in a pool of blood by his head. The Ox-King looked around carefully, being careful not to jump to conclusions. He heard the screams and he recognized his daughter's screams.
"Chi-Chi, what happened?" Ox-King asked.
Chi-Chi looked up at him, still solemn. "The man you want me to wed just tried to force himself on me. I fought him for a while, and then Goku came to my rescue. He finished Chang off."
Ox-King's face turned red with anger. He pointed to Chang on the floor, who was mumbling something. "Pick him up!"
Two nearby men picked Chang up and held his head straight so he would look at the Ox-King, who spoke angrily now. "Would you mind explaining what happened?!"
"You mean my face?" Chang asked, and then looked Goku's way. "How terrible it is for a stronger being to taunt one weaker than himself…"
Goku was about to speak, but Ox-King growled. "Liar! The screams I heard were indeed your own, but I also heard Chi-Chi's! Explain that!"
Chang gave him an innocent look. "Are you saying it's not right for a bride to worry about her groom's face being pummeled?"
Ox-King laughed sarcastically, and then his sober look returned. "She's not your bride anymore. Not after this. Even though Goku had been the one person I hate more than anything, I know he would try to protect my daughter from any stupid skunk, that's you, Chang, trying to hurt her."
Chang's mouth was hanging open as he tried to respond, but Ox-King pointed to the dark behind him. "You will trade places with Goku. YOU will spend the rest of your life in my dungeon. Take him away, subjects." The men holding Chang nodded at the Ox-King and began to take Chang to the dungeon. He was squirming and protesting, and one of the men kicked his leg. "Shut up."
Ox-King watched as Chang and his capturers faded into the dark. Then he turned and faced the people, frowning. "As you can see, this new year hasn't started off well. We were celebrating the New Year and Chi-Chi's engagement, but as you can see, this isn't the case anymore. I'm sorry it had to be this way, but I might as well end this party. You all can go home now."
As the people began to walk away, the Ox-King turned away, sighing. His eyebrows rose subtly at a new sight. His eyes had caught sight of his satisfied daughter lingering in Goku's arms. She was happy in his embrace…
Ox-King walked over to the serene couple and cleared his throat. "Ahem."
Chi-Chi pulled herself out of Goku's arms and looked up at her father, anticipating an angry word. He hated it when they were near each other, let alone this gentle embrace. However, there seemed to be a haughty look on his face…
Ox-King's eyebrows were still raised and the corner of his mouth inched upward in a superior smile. His head was tilted to the side, and his eyes never left Goku. "Come with me, Goku," was all he said.
Goku unwrapped his arms from around Chi-Chi's waist, and gave her a confused look. She seemed to be wondering the same thing as him. What had he done now? And Ox-King didn't call him 'boy' for once…
Goku quietly obeyed and followed the Ox-King to the cornerstone of his palace.
***
"Yes, sir?" Goku said once he and the Ox-King were alone. He was anticipating a reprimand from the Ox-King, and the usual things he would tell him. He was worthless and he had better stay away from Chi-Chi… What was coming next was unexpected.
Ox-King placed a hand on Goku's shoulder and he smiled at him. "I have been wrong about you, Goku. I didn't trust you enough; even after all you had done as you lived here. Unfortunately, I had to hear of my daughter's life being threatened to finally see you're not what I assumed you to be."
Goku was silenced. Yes, this was very fortunate…
Ox-King nodded at Goku, and this time he was serious. "I want to thank you for saving Chi-Chi. I owe you her life and heart. If you weren't around, I'm not sure what would've happened to my greatest treasure. I would like to repay you for your heroic deed."
Goku waved his hands, surprised. "No, no! I'm fine. I don't need any forms of repayment. I was happy to do it."
Ox-King shook his head at him. "There will be no such thing. You will take your reward. I'm offering you a chance to live in the castle, and become one of my noble guards. You and Wakaru will have morning duty. I'll show you to your new chamber shortly, but first I want to see Chi-Chi."
Ox-King left a bewildered Goku in his path as he strolled away back to Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi saw her father approaching from the distance, and she saw that he was relaxed and Goku was not with him. A part of her really began to wonder what happened, but she didn't have time to think about it right now.
Ox-King scrutinized Chi-Chi, and worry was evident on his face. "Are you well? Chang hasn't harmed you in any way, has he? No scratches, scrapes, or cuts?"
Chi-Chi lowered the Ox-King's hands, which were ready to touch her arms to test for bruises. "I'm fine, Otousan. I told you Goku saved me. Where is he anyway?"
Ox-King nodded once at her. "All right, if you insist you're well, I'll leave. You will see what will become of Goku in due time."
He turned his head as he heard grass shuffling. Goku was walking towards him, but Ox-King pointed to the palace. "Let's go."
Before leaving, Ox-King looked at Chi-Chi. "You should change out of that outfit so I can get rid of it. I don't think we want any reminders of Chang. And go to bed also. It's late."
***
Later on that night, the Ox-King found himself lying in his bed, unable to go to sleep. He had actually fallen asleep earlier on, but found he only slept a few hours before being awakened by a dream.
~~Dream Sequence~~
It was a clear, spring morning and Ox-King had just awoken to the beautiful sunshine. He hadn't even been awake for ten seconds as he heard a knock on his door. "Hm?" he called aloud.
The door opened gently, and Ox-King saw his twelve-year-old daughter emerge and sit herself on the edge of his bed, a thoughtful look on her face.
"Good morning, hon. What are you thinking about?" Ox-King asked.
Chi-Chi smiled shyly and could barely look her father in the eyes. "Mornin' 'Tousan. Umm… I was just thinking about yesterday. You know that girl, the pig, and their friend? Well, I was thinking about them. Actually, their friend…"
"Hm," Ox-King mused. "The strange, wild ape boy?"
"Yeah," Chi-Chi answered, and then glanced up at the ceiling, still in thought. Her cheeks turned a bright crimson. "But I don't think he's strange or wild. His name's Goku, isn't it? He's so handsome and strong. Umm… did you really say I could marry him, 'Tousan?"
Ox-King laughed. "Not now! You're only of twelve years of age! You need to be taught how to be a good wife and mother, and that takes years. Not to mention, you're still going to learn to be a good fighter."
Chi-Chi nodded. "I guessed that." Then her face brightened. "So can I start my lessons today? What am I learning first? How to be a good wife or mother? Will I learn how to cook and clean and sew and-"
"Chi-Chi!" Ox-King interrupted, laughing. "I've never seen you so excited. Sure, we can start today. Just let me get of bed first, will you?"
Chi-Chi bowed her head. "Sorry, but I've never wanted something like this so much. I want to be as good a woman as Okaasan was. I want her to be proud of me."
Her fingers gently traced the swirls on her silver locket hanging around her neck. It came from Chi-Chi's memento box and the locket was her mother's when she was a child.
Ox-King smiled wearily at Chi-Chi. She was changing from a cute little girl to a charming teenager, and she was beginning to resemble her mother even more now. Ox-King saw the locket around her neck, and reminded himself to give Chi-Chi her mother's birthstone necklace when she turned eighteen.
"I'm sure you'll be a fine, lovely woman like your mother was," Ox-King told Chi-Chi quietly. "She'll be proud of you, and I'm sure her spirit is watching us now."
Chi-Chi looked up at her father, tears in her eyes. The tears were withdrawn from memories of her deceased mother, and the fact she was told she had potential. Her heart was truly touched.
"Really?" she whispered.
"Really," Ox-King confirmed. "I promise."
~~Dream Sequence Ends~~
Ox-King was slightly puzzled at this dream. Yes, it was real and those events occurred. But why did he remember this dream? Why now? Was someone trying to tell him something? Ox-King stared up at the dark ceiling, and sighed. "All right, Kami, I'm listening…"
But the only sounds were the crickets chirping through the open window.
Ox-King turned over on his side, thinking. He had to have had this dream for a good reason. But there were many possibilities that arose from the dream. One that he remembered was his relationship with Chi-Chi.
Were they behaving as a good daughter and father should?
"We're fine," he mumbled and then sighed. What else could it be? He was sure he and Chi-Chi were okay. Even though they had their squabbles, Ox-King knew that she was still a good girl. However, perhaps there lied something deeper. Ox-King had told Chi-Chi she would turn out well like her mother, and she was. She got a lot of things from her mother: her looks, behavior, determination…
But most of all: determination.
Once Chi-Chi had her heart set on something, she was going to do all she could to reach her goal, with absolutely nothing stopping her. That meant Goku for now.
Ox-King blinked. Now he just realized it! Chi-Chi was like her mother in a lot of ways, but she also fought the same battles as her. Back when they were younger, the Ox-Queen also fought, in love, for the Ox-King. She took risks, just as Chi-Chi did.
Now…
The Ox-King lie in his bed, stunned at his realization. Why hadn't he seen this earlier? And it wasn't just Chi-Chi; Goku also stood faithful in the battlefield and despite his Saiyan ape transformation, he was okay…
The truth suddenly came to the Ox-King: It wasn't that he truly hated Goku. He was just afraid of letting Chi-Chi go. He was afraid of losing the dearest thing to him, the last thing he had in remembrance of his wife.
But if he truly loved Chi-Chi, he would let her go, right?
***
The next morning, Goku awoke to the birds singing. Spring had arrived at last, and the warm weather was apparent. Goku felt the sunshine on his face, and smiled, as he felt refreshed. He liked this much-needed rest, and the fact the bed was better than the dungeon floor.Goku suddenly heard crinkling and felt something against his face as he turned over. He opened his eyes and felt for the object at his cheek. He sat up and held a folded piece of paper in his hands. He unfolded it and read what was scribbled on it.
Goku,
I would like you to report to my bedchamber as soon as you read this. I need to have a word with you.
Ox-King
Goku blinked. I wonder what he wants, he thought, and carried the note with him as he exited his bedchamber. As he walked down the hallway, he was surprised to see he wasn't alone in this early hour. Someone was walking the same way as him.
"Chi-Chi!" Goku said, surprised. "Good morning. What are you doing, walking to the Ox-King's chamber?"
Chi-Chi seemed more lost than surprised. "Good morning… Um, Otousan wanted to speak with me, that's all." Then she noticed a piece of paper in his hand. "Oh!" she said, now surprised. "Did you get a letter too?"
Goku glanced at the note in his hand and then saw that Chi-Chi held one of her own. "Wait a minute… You got one too? What's the meaning of this?"
"I don't know, but come on. He obviously wants to talk to both of us," Chi-Chi answered.
When they both arrived at the bedchamber, it was apparent that the Ox-King was happy to see them. He smiled at the confused look on their faces. "Don't look that way. None of you are in trouble. I just wish to speak to you. Here, give me the notes."
Chi-Chi handed Ox-King's hers while Goku hesitantly gave him his. Ox-King clapped Goku on the back. "Relax. Nothing's wrong. Get comfortable."
Soon, the Ox-King explained the real reason he wanted to see Goku and Chi-Chi. He looked at them solemnly. "I would like to start off by apologizing to you both."
He looked at Goku first. "I misjudged you and thought ill of you when you were only trying to fulfill your promise of marrying Chi-Chi. You're truly honest and have withstood trials. I've enslaved you and allowed horrible things to happen to you, and for that I apologize."
He looked at Chi-Chi next. "I had forgotten of the past and my promise to you. I know it seems I've broken that promise, but I haven't. I was just afraid of losing you, but I now realize I never will. You're right. I didn't consider your feelings before, and I apologize for that."
Then Ox-King looked at Goku again. "I'm still going to repay you for saving Chi-Chi's life. You can have anything your heart desires. Gold, silver, food, clothes, anything. I'll even release you from the contract."
"Contract?" Goku asked.
"Yes. When you were a slave, you were a serf, and that meant you were a peasant that was tied to the land. No matter which lord you belonged to, you still belonged to my kingdom and me. You couldn't leave the premises of my kingdom. That was like a contract, and now I'm breaking that contract. You don't have to live here anymore. So if you want anything at all, I'll give it to you."
A wide grin spread on Goku's face. This was his chance!
Finally, he could get ANYTHING he wanted. The next object he spoke would belong to him. And he could finally get out here too! He could go back to Kuririn, Bulma, and all his other friends. He could go train with Roshi.
He could walk away with riches and a good name.
Goku looked at his left, to see if Chi-Chi was just as happy as he was. But she wasn't… At least, it seemed she wasn't happy. Sure, she had a small smile on her face, but Goku could tell something by the look in her eyes.
Why was she sad?
The rush of happiness suddenly left Goku. Whatever exciting feeling that conquered him was now somewhere in the back of his mind. He was thoughtful now too, and he looked away.
This sucked. Somehow, Goku knew that even if he got whatever he wanted, and if he went back to Kame Island, it wouldn't feel right without Chi-Chi. What had this woman done to him? It suddenly felt that all these years without her felt wasted, and that's why he felt incomplete. Martial arts may have done him a lot of good, but it didn't fill up the hole in him like she did.
He didn't want to leave this whole happiness and care behind. He didn't want to leave this love behind.
***
Goku looked at Ox-King pleadingly. "I don't want to ask too much of you, but…"
"But?" Ox-King urged. "That's nonsense. I told you anything that you wanted would be yours. Go on." He saw Goku glance at Chi-Chi, and it seemed longingly, and he became uneasy.
"You already know this, but I'd like to be with Chi-Chi," Goku quietly said. "I don't care about gold or anything else."
Ox-King looked to see his daughter's reaction. She had been hanging her head, but now she looked up slowly, a look of surprise plastered on her face. "What?" she whispered.
Then Ox-King grew nervous. "Uh, Goku, perhaps I didn't make something clear. I'm offering you FREEDOM, WEALTH, and the finest clothes in all of the land. How could you not want these things?"
Goku looked at him and shook his head. "Some things are more important than that. I know you know how lonely feels, and I don't want to be lonely anymore. I… I want to stay here with Chi-Chi."
Ox-King sighed internally. He didn't think Goku knew what he was asking for. He doubted that Goku had what it took to make a marriage work. Anyone could get married. It was keeping the marriage stable and alive that was the challenge.
In addition, Ox-King wasn't sure if Goku loved Chi-Chi. Even after all the evidence of the past, he figured Goku liked Chi-Chi, maybe even had a huge crush on her, but love…?
Listen to yourself, Ox-King's inner voice spoke. The boy made it all the way here with Chi-Chi as a goal. Aren't YOU the one who wanted to see Chi-Chi get married? She rejected every prince. THIS is the only way it'll work! And if Goku disappoints Chi-Chi, then you can just set him straight!
Ox-King sighed, and hoped this was the right thing to do. He walked up to Goku and shook his head in sympathy. "You said you wanted to stay with Chi-Chi here? Do you mean stay or do you wish to marry her?"
Goku nodded. "At first, I just thought I should keep my promise, but now I want to do it. I really would like to stay with Chi-Chi forever, and I really, really, really like her. I promise I'll take care of her."
Ox-King sighed again. "There's more to this than your fluttering heart, you lovesick boy. Are you certain you wish to test for my daughter's hand? Not even the trained, excellent princes could complete the tasks without complaint."
Goku looked up at him, determined. "That's not going to happen to me. I will do whatever you say as long as you promise me Chi-Chi."
Ox-King shrugged his shoulders. "All right. You've obviously made your mind up. Let's shake on it to make it official."
He extended his hand toward Goku, and Goku grasped it firmly with his own, shaking lightly.
"It's a done deal then, Goku," Ox-King said, and crossed his arms. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Your tasks start in two days. Rest up now."
Goku nodded at him, and Ox-King walked away, thinking, You foolish boy. My deepest sympathy is upon you. You have no idea what you'll do.
Goku looked behind him to see if Chi-Chi would be happy about this. He just said he would try for her hand, which is what she wanted. Or was it?
"Chi-Chi?"
Concern and regret was etched on the girl's face, and she did not hear him. She was lost in her thoughts. Didn't Goku know what he just agreed to? Didn't he know what he was doing and what he was asking for?
A lifetime with her… Did Goku really want that? Sometimes, people say the stupidest or most passionate things right on the spot according to their current strong feelings.
Was Goku absolutely sure he was ready for this?
"Yes, Goku?"
Goku tilted his head at her. "Is there something the matter? You don't look too happy."
"It's because I'm not. Goku, I'm not sure you know what you've asked for…"
Goku looked at her, confused. Sure he was! He'd never do something without thinking about it first.
However, he didn't know something bigger lies ahead…
To be continued…
Chapter Twenty-One: A Storm in Life
Courtney: Well, things are looking a little brighter for Goku and Chi-Chi.
Beserk: Thanks, but does it honestly matter if the story is in bold lettering? It's the way I've always done it. And what do you mean I always show but don't tell? That makes no sense to me.