Goku stared at the woman in front of him, unable to look away. She knew him, that much was clear, but he didn't know her. A name whispered through his mind but it couldn't be. She had been strong but she had never seemed interested in competing before but it had been years…and this woman smelled so familiar…but she also looked nothing like the girl he had known long ago.
"Who are you?" he asked in wonder. Could…could this really be Chi-Chi?
But instead of getting an answer to his question, all he got was anger.
Goku stumbled back stunned.
"Who was that Goku?"
His friends all demanded answers but Goku didn't have any. Was that really Chi-Chi? His Chi-Chi? His future bride? She hadn't said anything besides his name and that he was an idiot, so he couldn't say for sure, but the hammering in his heart made him hopeful.
If that was really his Chi-Chi…
"I gotta take a leak," he told his friends, mixing into the crowd before they could stop him. He could hear Krillin call after him, telling him to be quick, but all Goku needed was a minute. He just needed to know her name.
Goku found her hidden behind one of those snack machines, quietly crying in a way that made his heart hurt. He hadn't meant to make her cry!
"H-Hey, are you okay?"
The girl stiffened at the sound of his voice and snapped her head in his direction. If she'd been crying, she wasn't anymore, though he could still spot the tears at the corners of her fiery glare.
"You! What do you want?!"
Goku flinched and wondered if it had been a good idea to follow her after all.
"I, uh…I know I upset ya," He swallowed and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry about that. I make my friends angry a lot too."
When she didn't respond, just merely raised a single brow, he began to grow flustered. For some reason her stare was making him nervous.
"I-If ya just tell me your name, I know I'll remember! Just need somethin' to jog the ol noggin," he laughed, knocking his fist against his head.
Unfortunately she didn't find his joke funny.
Goku gulped, wishing she'd say something—anything!—but instead she just took a step forward…then another…and another, until she was standing so close that he could…if he just leaned forward just an inch…
"If you wanna know who I am, then remember me already!" the girl snapped, shoving him away before stopping off.
Goku fell back against the wall, winded, and watched as she returned to the preliminary room.
What…what had he just been about to do?
He ran a hand through his hair and then over his face heavily. The last time he'd felt the desire to do that had been with…and she had shoved him so easily…just like Chi-Chi…but was that her? Was that Chi-Chi? Her scent—that smoky scent—was so similar…
Goku sighed and shook his head, trying to focus. He couldn't afford to think about Chi-Chi or this unknown woman right now. He needed to concentrate. Piccolo was here, there were higher things at stake.
He rejoined his friends, just as they were starting the preliminaries, and directed his attention to the tall, green skinned warrior across the room. Piccolo. That was who he should be focusing on.
Yet even as he reminded himself of this, Goku spotted the mysterious woman from his peripheral climbing into a ring. Try as he might, he found his gaze drawn in her direction. He had never met a female martial artist before and the way she moved…he hoped he'd get the chance to fight her.
He really, really wanted to fight her.
"What are you staring at Goku?"
"Hm?"
"Hellooooo, earth to Goku? You in there buddy? Hm? Oh I see. Still trying to figure out who she is, huh?"
"What?" Goku jumped, suddenly noticing Krillin was talking to him. "Oh, uh, yeah," he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "She seems really familiar for some reason."
Krillin didn't respond, no doubt waiting for Goku to follow up on that statement, but if Goku told him who he thought it was, Krillin would wanna know more.
"Number two and thirteen, you're up!"
Saved by the match!
Goku practically jumped into the ring, eager to escape his curious friend, and readied himself to face off against his opponent. He was a hefty looking fellow, so big in fact, that he almost failed to see the girl who had been occupying his thoughts watching him from her side of the room.
He breathed deep, his chest swelling with excitement.
As soon as the ref blew the whistle he moved, practically materializing in front of his opponent, and delivered a solid kick to the man's chest that sent him flying out of the ring.
Oops! Looks like he overdid it just a little. Oh well.
His gaze darted back to where the mystery girl—Chi-Chi?—had been standing, wondering what she'd thought of his match, only to deflate a little when he realized she wasn't there anymore.
"Careful there," Krillin laughed, patting his friend on the back as he rejoined them. "Not all of us have trained with Kami."
"Heh. Guess I got a little excited," Goku replied sheepishly.
Krillin was right. He needed to get his head in the game…and yet, even as he thought that, his gaze drifted across the room in search of the mysterious girl, wondering when he would get the chance to speak with her again.
…
"Congratulations, you eight are the final contestants. If you would please make your way here and draw a number…"
Goku stepped forward at the same time the unknown girl did, nearly butting heads.
"Watch it!"
"Sorry!" He stepped back, letting her go first as his friends grumbled behind him.
"She sure can hold a grudge."
"You sure you don't know her, Goku?"
Goku didn't answer, too busy watching the announcer write her name on the board. He was eager to know the answer to that question himself. But when the announcer wrote 'Anonymous,' Goku frowned.
"Anonymous?" He mumbled, "what kind of name is that?"
"The young lady is choosing to keep her name a secret," the announcer informed him, as Goku stepped up to draw his number.
Well wasn't she sneaky?
Goku unfolded his slip of paper and smirked, his heart rate increasing rapidly as his gaze traveled to the board where the announcer was adding his name next to hers. She was sneaky but it looks like she wouldn't be getting away from him just yet.
He caught her eye on the far side of the room and smiled, feeling particularly giddy though he couldn't say why. He knew there was a chance this wasn't Chi-Chi, and yet he was practically vibrating with excitement at the possibility that it was!
He couldn't wait to fight her.
If she could make learning her name such a challenge then she was sure to be a fun match…and if this was really Chi-Chi…
Goku's grin grew even wider, if possible, startling his friends.
"Goku…are you feeling okay?" Tien asked, his third eye examining the young man from head to toe.
"Uh huh!"
"He's probably just happy he gets to go up against a cute girl like her, even if she is angry," Krillin pouted, jealous beyond belief. Why did Goku get to pair off with a cutie like that and he got stuck with the grumpy green giant?
"Make sure to take it easy on her, will ya bud? Temper or no, she's no match for a monster like you."
"Uh huh."
Yamcha turned to his friend in surprise. Goku agreeing to go easy on an opponent? Maybe something really was wrong with him. He followed the younger man's gaze to where it still rested on the unknown woman, and blinked. Could it be…
A slow grin spread across his face.
"I don't believe it! You sly dog you!" Yamcha laughed, patting Goku heartily on the back. "You like her!"
"What?!" Krillin gasped as a startled Goku turned around confused.
"Huh?"
"You heard me!" Yamcha grinned, "You like her!"
"Well yeah, why wouldn't I? She seems nice."
"Nice?! All she's done is yell at you!" Krillin spluttered.
Goku scratched the back of his head. "Well, sure, but don't all women do that?"
Yamcha opened his mouth to argue but then remembered his last interaction with Bulma.
"He's got a point," Krillin muttered, crossing his arms with a huff as the older man wilted beside him.
If it were anyone else he'd probably agree with Yamcha, but this was Goku they were talking about! Him, like someone? That was crazy talk! He shook his head and laughed. "You probably wouldn't even know what to do with a girl like that would you, buddy?"
Goku frowned. He knew what to do with girls! Grandpa had taught him he was supposed to be nice to them and Chi-Chi…Chi-Chi had taught him things too! Like dates and kissing and…
Yamcha threw an arm over his shoulder.
"Not so fast Krillin," he smiled, wagging his finger. "Goku's hung around me long enough to learn a few things, haven't you Goku? Need me to give you a few pointers?"
"About what?" Goku asked, bewildered, feeling like this conversation was getting out of hand.
Yamcha nudged him with his elbow. "C'mon, admit it! You like her, like I like Bulma!"
"Bulma?!"
He didn't like Chi-Chi like he liked Bulma! He liked Chi-Chi like Chi-Chi!
"You can't!" Krillin blurted, shaking his shoulders. "What about the Tournament?! Are you just gonna let your training with Kami go to waste like this?!"
What?! Now he was completely lost. What on earth was Krillin talking about?
"Would the contestants of the first match, please come forward."
"It's time," Tien muttered, cutting through the small group to make his way onto the stage.
Saved again! Goku breathed a sigh of relief and turned to focus on his friend's match, cutting off all further discussion about his interest in the mysterious girl. He would be facing her soon enough…and hopefully, he would also soon know her name.
…
When his turn finally came, Goku practically bounced onto the stage, excited as can be. His blood always stirred at the thought of a fight but this was something different. His opponent was something different.
She walked out onto the stage as the drums thundered in his ears, echoing the building anticipation in his chest.
This was it. He was finally gonna fight her!
He took his place at the center of the ring, as the girl took hers, and grinned, shooting her a small wave.
"Hi there!"
The girl—Chi-Chi?—didn't seem to share his excitement. Instead she merely shot him a glare before bringing her hands up to bow which Goku mimicked. But that was okay, her anger didn't dampen his spirits one bit, for some reason it only made him happier.
Too bad the announcer was taking so long to start the match.
Goku listened impatiently as the announcer went on about something or other before finally—finally!—starting the match, but before Goku could even decide his first move, the mystery girl was leaping into action. She flew at him with a kick followed by a flurry of punches, all of which he barely managed to dodge or block, preoccupied as he was with her scent that seemed to follow each strike…that achingly familiar smoky scent…
"Hey, have we already met?" he asked, taking the chance to interrogate her while she was distracted. If he could just know for sure…
She struck with her knee and shouted, "yes!"
So they had met! Good! But he still needed to narrow it down.
"Really? When?"
"Ya forgot! That's why I'm mad!"
Damn. He hadn't expected her to deflect his question. He tried to think of a follow up but before he could come up with anything, the mystery girl lunged, increasing her speed, as she continued her attack. Goku blocked and dodged, jumping around the ring as he searched for something—anything!—to say, but he couldn't keep a thought in his head with the way she was rushing him!
He just needed a moment to think!
"Did ya forget what ya promised me?!"
"Promise?" What promise?
Goku jumped into the air, hoping to keep her talking by keeping his distance.
He hadn't expected her to follow.
For a split second he started to panic but then his brain caught up with her words.
"I promised you something?" Goku beamed, suddenly feeling giddy. His heart fluttered as he dodged her kicks. It had to be her. It had to!
He dropped back down to the ground with her hot on his heels and leapt out of the way of an incoming blow.
"What did I promise ya?"
"You promised you would make me your bride!"
"I promised you that?" Goku cried, his voice squeaking. It was her! It was Chi-Chi! She was here and—WOW!—but he couldn't celebrate just yet, not until he got her to admit the truth.
"If we're gonna get married, the least you could do is tell me your name!"
Just admit it, just admit it, just ad—
"Fine! If you beat me, I'll tell you!"
Yes! Finally!
"Here I go!" he grinned, readying his stance. He didn't want to hurt her, so he'd have to be careful to use just a little force…he thrust his fist forward, creating a solid pulse through the air. Too solid. Somehow he still managed to over strengthen his attack!
Damn it!
"Watch o—"
Chi-Chi flipped over his attack with ease, spinning rapidly as the sun sparkled behind her, before bringing her heel down on top of his head.
Hard.
Goku's jaw struck the ground with such force his teeth rattled and on instinct he ran his tongue over each tooth checking that they were all still intact.
She hit him! She actually hit him. He couldn't help but be impressed even as he groaned and spat out a mouthful of blood.
"That hurt!" He whined, rubbing his head and jaw. But he couldn't be mad. It was his fault for underestimating her.
"Hmph! That's what you get for standing around in the middle of a match. Now get up and fight me already!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Goku hopped to his feet, eager to continue, though still unwilling to hurt her. Unfortunately, it looked like he wouldn't be able to avoid getting at least a little physical if he wanted to end this match quickly.
"Ready?" He asked again, repeating his earlier question. When she failed to react besides lifting a single eyebrow his grin morphed into a smirk. "Alright, you asked for it!"
He moved quickly, vanishing from sight, only to appear a second later right behind her, pinning her arms behind her back.
Chi-Chi growled and Goku felt a rush of something pleasurable surge through him, but he knew he had her bested. Now all he had to do wa—
Chi-Chi kicked off of the ground and flipped her body to wrap her legs around his face, shocking him enough to loosen his grip. He could hear his friends shouting and even a whistle, but before he could even make out what they were saying Chi-Chi flung herself forward, using the momentum and her crushing thighs to catapult him over her head towards the audience.
If it had been any other male, it would have worked, but Goku was still Goku. He wouldn't let her win so easily. Recovering at the last second, he grabbed her legs, right as she launched him, and flipped her instead, chucking her out of the ring and straight into the audience wall.
Chi-Chi crashed into the brick and fell to the ground with a small thud.
Shit! He did it again!
He hurried to the edge of the ring and was only partially relieved to see her sitting up, cradling her head with a cute little pout. "Ow!"
"Sorry, you okay?" he asked worriedly, but Chi-Chi was already smiling as she climbed back into the ring.
"You never cease to amaze me."
"Heh." Goku grinned, hoping that would continue to be true. He rocked back on his heels, feeling shy. "So, uh, I won. Will ya tell me your name?"
She huffed, still hurt that he didn't remember her, but a promise was a promise. "You're impossible! I'm the Ox-King's daughter, Chi-Chi."
"YES!"
Goku leapt into the air, clicking his heels in excitement.
He knew it! He knew it!
The second his feet were on the ground again he snatched her up and twirled her around in circles, taking in her wide, sparkly eyes, before dipping her into a deep kiss much to the shock of everyone in the audience—including Chi-Chi.
He could hear his friends shouting somewhere far off in the distance but otherwise all his senses were rooted on her. Her taste, her smell, her muffled noises of surprise followed by sounds of pleasure…and the way she fit so perfectly in his arms…
When he finally pulled away, he couldn't help the wide, goofy grin on his face as he took in Chi-Chi's flustered features.
It was her! Chi-Chi! After all this time!
He giggled, his emotions still soaring, even as he pulled her close and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I thought it was you," he whispered, pressing his forehead against hers. "You've changed so much though, I wasn't sure."
Chi-Chi swallowed, struggling to sort through her own flurry of emotions amidst a quickly rising feeling of hope. "You mean you…you didn't forget our promise?"
Goku laughed. He might have worried about forgetting her once but now he knew better.
"I'm sorry, I know I'm late, but better late than never, right? Still wanna get married?"
It was Chi-Chi's turn to shout "YES!" as she jumped into his arms, laughing and smiling as they spun around the ring while cheers erupted through the crowd.
Goku grinned and scooped her up into his arms before carrying her off the stage to somewhere a little more private. Once he was sure they were alone, he buried his head in her shoulder and breathed her in.
"I missed you," she murmured, pressing a kiss against his cheek.
Goku smiled and kissed her forehead, her cheek, her nose, "I missed you, Chi-Chi."
He sighed as he kissed her lips, finally feeling like he was home. He nuzzled her face.
"When can we get married?"
"Soon," she promised. "As soon as the Tournament is over we can get married."
"Good." The sooner, the better. Once they were married, he would never have to miss her again. His heart swelled with happiness at the thought. She would be by his side, on every new adventure they went.
He couldn't wait.