Disclaimer: If only...
AN: Hey guys. As always, I want to thank you guys for reading this little ficcy of mine. You really don't know how much it means to me. Enjoy.
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Seventeen landed on a patch of soft, wet grass. The sweet morning light spilled across the landscape causing the orange and red hues of the gulch to reflect majestically. It was a beautiful sunrise but that was not what held his attention.
Her back was straight as she gazed out into the horizon, her long blond ponytail flowing in the gentle morning breeze. Tension radiated from her hunched form. To think it had only been three weeks ago when she had been so happy as she said good bye to him on the loading docks. It was amazing how much could change in just under a month.
His 'week' long trading mission was extended when a magnetic storm around Aloria kept his ship on the planet for over two weeks. When he contacted Mongo to alert Lord Krillin to the delay, he was told of his sister's engagement. His inability to get in touch with Eighteen to discuss the surprising news told him she was not as happy about the arrangement as Lord Krillin seemed to be. Looking at her now, it was clear he was right in his assumption.
He began walking toward her, stopping when he reached the cliff's edge. He looked down at her and when she didn't respond, he sat down next to her, letting his feet hang off the edge. He let her have her thoughts awhile longer as he stared out over the ground below. After fifteen minutes, he finally spoke. "I suppose you are upset that I missed our dinner," he said calmly. When she didn't respond to his joke he decided to broach the topic head on. "So you're going through with it?"
She said nothing, only continued staring into the morning sun.
"He won't force you," he continued in his usual calm, almost mechanical, voice.
"I know," she responded softly.
"Then why are you going through with it?"
Moments passed and he thought she might not answer him but then she sighed. "I owe him everything. He has given me freedom for the first time since we were children. His kindness has allowed me to live my life as I want to; in peace," she paused and looked at him, "and with you."
He met her eyes and nodded. Though he did not agree with her method of repayment, he did understand her feelings of indebtedness to the little lord, for he felt them too.
At seeing his understanding, Eighteen returned her eyes to the horizon. "I will give him my hand and the heir he desires. It is the least I can do."
"And what if he wants more from you," her brother questioned.
"He'll be disappointed." Her voice dropped to a softer level. "I have nothing else to give him."
Seventeen nodded, not knowing what else to say. "Well, at the very least he'll make a good husband. He seems to all ready worship you," he said.
"What do you mean?" she wanted to know.
He shrugged. "It's just the impression I got when he asked my permission to marry you when I called to report the delay on Aloria," he answered as he reclined back on his hands.
"He what?" she asked turning her frowning face to him.
"It's the custom here to ask the male head of the family for the hand of the women under his charge." He gave her a small smirk before continuing. "I guess you're my charge until I turn you over to him."
The icy glare she gave him only caused him to chuckle as he climbed to his feet. "Come, my little ward. You have a big day ahead of you."
Her frown deepened as she looked up at him. "You're not going to train me today?"
He shook his head as he reached out his hand. When she took it, he pulled her to her feet. "You're going to be a lady. Sparring is beneath you now."
She rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms. "Please take away what little joy I have left."
Seventeen smiled before dropping her hand and turning. "Come. You are to meet with your guests in a couple of hours and you certainly can't do it wearing that," he said as he started to ascend into the air.
Her frown returned at the thought of the first event in the series of wedding celebrations to come. Sighing, she focused her energy as her brother had taught her and followed him into the air. It was time to take the first steps away from the freedom she had only just attained.
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The royal throne room of Mongo was alive with activity. Designed in vivid shades of merlot and gold, the room was inviting yet richly decorated. The artwork displayed gallant scenes from the revolution and paid homage to the world's ruler. This was a room meant for welcoming royalty.
The ruler in question sat upon his throne, perched on a pedal stool raised three steps above the floor. To his right sat his bride-to-be, dressed in a beautiful yellow gown, back and eyes straight as she watched their guest mill about the room.
Krillin glanced at her out of the corner of his eye for what may have been the hundredth time that day. They had been sitting this way for the last hour and a half. As each new guest entered the room, the yeomen caller would announce them and they then stepped forth with greetings for the newly engaged couple. The line seemed to go on forever and Krillin was tired of sitting. He wanted to mingle with his guests all ready.
He glanced at the beauty next to him again and couldn't help a slight frown. It was true he had known Eighteen's heart would be a difficult treasure to claim when he first proposed, however the barrier she had up between them at the moment was impenetrable.
Clearing his throat, he leaned toward her in between introductions. "You really shouldn't look so unhappy. I really won't be all that bad of a husband," he said, giving her a smile.
Eighteen blinked out of the daze which had been getting her through this boring royal function. She turned to him with a slight frown. "I wasn't aware I looked unhappy."
Krillin chuckled. "Well, you don't exactly look thrilled either."
Her frown held a minute before she gave him a half smile. "I'll try to fix that."
Krillin only had time to return her smile before the next guest was introduced.
"His majesty, King Kakarot of Isles, accompanied by his queen and the Crown Prince of Isles, Prince Gohan," announced the caller.
Even before the man finished his introduction, King Kakarot was striding confidently toward the lord, his cheerful grin plastered across his face. He stopped at the foot of the steps, his wife and child stopping just behind him. "Krillin! It's great to see you! It's about time you got hitched," he greeted his old friend.
Krillin was standing by this time and began descending the three steps to stand before his friend. He took the other man's hand and clasped it between his two. "Kakarot! It's so good to see you! It's been too long!"
Kakarot nodded as he used his free hand to slap the shorter man on the back. "I know! But at least its under much happier circumstances this time." As he spoke, his eyes wandered to the silent blond who was now standing at the top of the steps. "It's nice to see you again, Eighteen," he smiled at her.
She nodded in response. "Is this your wife and child?" she questioned as she descended the steps, remaining on the bottom one.
"Oh yeah!" Kakarot said motioning for the two to step forward. He placed a hand on the small of his wife's back as he smiled down at his son. "This is ChiChi and this little guy is Gohan," he finished proudly.
ChiChi lifted her hands from their place on her son's shoulders. "Go on, Gohan. Remember your manners and say hello," she said.
The little prince took one step forward and bowed as he spoke. "It is very nice to meet you, Lord Krillin and Lady Juuhachigou."
Eighteen raised a brow at the title while Krillin began to laugh. "Well, aren't you polite! I can't believe he's so big all ready," Krillin gushed as he reached out to muss the boy's hair.
"I know. He's just sprouting up like a weed. And he's smart too! A lot smarter than his old man, that's for sure!" Kakarot said, smiling down at the blushing boy.
Krillin nodded. "Just looking at him makes me realize just how long its been since we've seen each other. Speaking of which, where's Radditz? Don't tell me he's going to miss out on my wedding."
"No, he's here. He should be mingling around here somewhere," Kakarot answered. A grin spread across his face as he spoke his next words. "I think he's hoping to catch sight of that Global Affairs Administrator of yours," he finished with a wink.
Krillin laughed. "Well, he'll be disappointed if he is. Nissa's on the other side of the planet handling some business today."
Kakarot chuckled. "Well, I'm definitely not going to be the one to tell him."
"Kakarot," ChiChi said, causing the two men to stop laughing. "We're holding up the line. It is very rude."
Kakarot nodded before turning back to his friend. "We'll get out of the way but when you're finished with all this royal stuff we'll be enjoying the party, all right?"
Krillin smiled. "You're the first one I'll come find."
"Good," Kakarot said as he extended his arm to his wife and turned to his son. "Come on, Gohan."
"Yes Dad." The little boy quickly bowed before following his parents into the mass of party goers.
Krillin watched the little family before walking up the steps to rejoin Eighteen. As he sat, he smiled at her. "Cute boy."
She nodded, her attention on the crowd mingling before them. "That he is."
"I hope our children will be as well mannered," he continued, hoping to draw her into the conversation.
"I'm sure they will be," she answered, still not meeting his eyes.
Krillin sighed in defeat before returning his attention to the next royal well-wisher.
"His majesty, Prince Yamcha of Maldrat," came the introduction.
The prince stopped at the foot of the stairs, his stark white boots contrasting brilliantly with the deep red carpet beneath his feet. As the eyes travel up, the white of his pants and ornate jacket, in addition to the decorative sword at his waist, gave him a prince charming appeal. His hair was short and his face handsome, despite the scars that marred it.
"Lord Krillin, it is so wonderful to see you again," he said with a gallant bow. "My father sends his regrets on not being able to come on the behalf of Maldrat himself."
"Prince Yamcha, I am sorry your father can not be here but I am happy to see you again, old friend," Krillin responded.
"And is this the beautiful Juuhachigou I've heard so much about?" Yamcha smiled at the blond.
"It is," Krillin smiled at her as well. "Eighteen, this is Prince Yamcha of Maldrat. He and his father have been great allies to Mongo for many years."
Eighteen nodded before turning to the handsome man. "And is this your wife, Prince Yamcha?"
He looked surprised for a moment before shaking his head and turning to the blue haired beauty beside him. "No, no. This is Lady Marron of Maldrat. She is my companion for this trip. I hope I was not too presumption in inviting her."
Krillin quickly shook his head. "Of course not. The more the merrier. It is very nice to meet you, Lady Marron."
The woman curtsied, holding her beautiful green silk gown out around her. "You are too kind your lordship. Thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you."
Krillin chuckled at the well rehearsed nicety. Obviously this girl had been to one of the better finishing schools in her youth. "No, I thank you for coming. Feel free to mingle amongst my guests, you two."
They each bowed as expected as Krillin motioned for the caller to continue. The next seventeen presentations passed ever so slowly, the names and faces all blurring for the pair accepting the formal greetings. However, at the eighteenth introduction, both felt genuine smiles touch their faces. The announcement of the next guests also caused many in the grand hall to pause in their merriment and turn their attention to the doors.
The Prince and Princess of Vegetasei entered the room to looks that were a mix of suspicion, awe, and even curiosity. The Saiyans chosen profession not only disgusted Bulma but many peoples across the galaxy. The name Saiyan was particularly intimidating to those whose alliances with the warrior race were shaky. The Saiyans were a people to be feared and the short spiky haired man walking down the red carpet was the most terrifying of them all.
The change in the atmosphere went unnoticed by the lord of the hall as he and his bride-to-be both stood to descend the steps to meet the royal couple.
"Bulma! Prince Vegeta! It's great to see you again!" Krillin exclaimed, reaching out to take Bulma's hand between his.
Dressed in a beautiful ivory gown with her long blue hair piled elegantly on top of her head, Bulma smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I agree! It's been way too long," she responded just as excitedly. She then turned her attention to the other person standing before her. Opening her arms, she stepped forward to envelop the other woman. "Oh Eighteen! I'm soooo happy for you!"
Eighteen allowed the show of affection from the only other person outside her brother whom she considered a friend. After a few moments she stepped back and smiled at the other woman. "You better watch it with that thing," she said smiling down at the woman's rounded belly.
Bulma laughed, her face lighting with joy. "Isn't it huge?! I think there's more than one in there."
"Well, I, for one, wouldn't be shocked. You always have been full of surprises, Bulma" Krillin said, smiling at the woman.
"I know. It's what makes me so lovable," Bulma laughed.
"So, you're still just a princess, huh? Never going to become a queen?" Krillin teased.
Bulma sighed playfully. "Well, the king refuses to abdicate in Vegeta's favor. He says he'll only leave the throne if he dies on it or Vegeta slays him in combat for the crown. He says it is the Saiyan way. So since he's as healthy as ever and Vegeta would never do such a horrible thin-"
"Don't speak too quickly, woman," Vegeta interrupted. "He just might aggravate me on a bad day sometime soon."
Krillin laughed as Bulma rolled her eyes at the obviously empty threat.
"Besides," she continued as if she hadn't been interrupted, "being a princess is much better than being a queen. It sounds so much younger, don't you think?"
Krillin nor Eighteen could help a smile at the logic. "I never thought of it that way," he answered.
"I grow tired of this ideal chatter, woman," Vegeta once again spoke up.
"All right, all right," Bulma sighed, turning her attention to Eighteen. "After this function is over, however, you and I are going to talk, okay?"
The blond nodded as she gave the other woman a small smile. "Very well."
Bulma then turned to her spouse, linking her arm through his. "I am absolutely starving. You should feed me."
Vegeta shook his head as he started leading her into the crowd. "As if you need to get any bigger."
Krillin just made out a gasp from the princess and watched her slap the Saiyan's arm before he turned and ascended the steps again. Reclaiming his seat, he looked towards the door as the caller was preparing his next introductions.
"Surely there can't be that many more," he complained to the woman next to him.
Raising her hand, Eighteen motioned for the young boy standing discreetly behind her chair. "Orion, how many more announcements are there?"
"At last count, my lady, there were at least forty more dignitaries awaiting their presentations and more have yet to arrive," the boy responded.
Eighteen's eyes widened to almost comical proportions as she turned to her husband-to-be, only to find the same expression on his face.
"That's just great," Krillin muttered as he turned his attention back to the door. "At this rate I'll never get to join the party," he grumbled.
As an old, green skinned alien stopped before him, he put on a smile he did not feel. "Ambassador Kami, I am honored that a planet as far away as Namek would concern itself with my nuptials," he began the pleasantries as he prepared himself for the long afternoon ahead.
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So, we've all been reunited. I hope you guys liked it so let me know. Anyway, thanks for reading.