Chapter 17: The Real Vegeta

As the last of the attendees filed out of the grand throne room, leaving only a handful of individuals behind, a deafening silence settled over the chamber. Goku, usually so full of energy, sat slumped on a nearby bench, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation. He absently scratched his head, lost in thought, while Piccolo, ever the supportive friend, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Goku glanced up, meeting Piccolo's gaze with a small but genuine smile, appreciating the silent encouragement.

Meanwhile, the Ox-King, seated upon his imposing throne, cleared his throat to draw attention back to himself. He addressed Chi Chi with a mix of sternness and paternal concern. "Listen, dear," he began, his tone austere, "I'm glad we were able to reach some semblance of understanding during the mediation, but that doesn't absolve you of your actions in the banquet hall today. This issue must be addressed."

Chi Chi, her expression a mixture of remorse and defiance, shifted uncomfortably under the Ox-King's gaze. She knew she had crossed a line with her outburst, but her deep-seated maternal instincts had overridden her sense of propriety in the heat of the moment. Now, faced with the consequences of her actions, she felt a pang of guilt. "I know, Father," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Ox-King continued, his voice unwavering as he addressed the heart of the matter. "It's not just the mess that concerns me," he explained, his words measured and deliberate. "That can be cleaned up and forgotten. But you assaulted a royal guest in full view of many witnesses and I'm afraid there will be no way to suppress the story in the evening's local newspaper. Too many people saw it."

Chi Chi's heart sank in realization of the magnitude of her mistake. She had acted impulsively and now would have to face the fallout. She swallowed hard, steeling herself for what she knew was coming next. "I'm going to need you to issue a formal apology before you leave with Mr. Cardinal. And as for me," he added with a heavy sigh, "I find myself in the unenviable position of having to beg pardon from Prince Vegeta. You've embarrassed us both, Chi Chi, and I hope you'll do better in the future."

Chi Chi nodded, her eyes downcast with shame. She knew she had let her father down and resolved to make amends however she could. With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders, preparing herself to face the consequences of her actions head-on. "Y-Yes, Father. I understand," she replied.

Goku's face flushed badly with embarrassment as he ran his fingers through his dark hair. A nervous energy radiated from him in waves. "Listen, Ox-King," he began, his voice slightly shaky with guilt. "I feel like I'm the one who should apologize to Vegeta instead of you. I'm the one who asked him to come here, all because I didn't want to miss out on some training while waiting for the mediation, and then that just happened to him. I honestly feel like this reflects a lot more on me than it does on you."

The Ox-King, his expression softening with understanding, nodded slowly. "I appreciate your willingness to take responsibility, Goku," he replied in a measured tone. "But the truth is, this reflects on both of us. We're all accountable for our actions and we should each issue our own separate apologies."

Before Goku could respond, Chi Chi's anger boiled over once again, her frustration evident in the way she stomped her foot and countered Goku's suggestion. "Vegeta deserved it!" she retorted, her voice laced with bitterness. "If anything, my public apology should be addressed to the other guests who witnessed his arrogance. He's evil and I'm sickened by his presence in this castle. Send him packing!"

The Ox-King's patience wore thin as he rose to his feet, his voice stern as he addressed his daughter. "Chi Chi, enough!" he thundered, his words echoing off the walls of the throne room. "Vegeta has conducted himself with nothing but princely dignity since entering this castle, even treating the lowest-ranking servants with deep respect. Your behavior towards him was uncalled for and unacceptable!"

Chi Chi recoiled slightly under her father's harsh reprimand, her anger momentarily overshadowed by a sense of shame. She opened her mouth to protest, but the Ox-King held up a hand to silence her. "Before you say another word, I want you to recall that I, too, wasn't always the kind and beloved king that I am today," he continued, his voice softer but no less firm. "People change, Chi Chi. They grow, they learn from their mistakes, and they deserve a chance at redemption. Vegeta is still a very young man."

Goku, ever the optimist, chimed in to support the Ox-King's words. "He's right, Chi," he added gently, his tone soothing. "We've all made mistakes in the past. What's important is that we acknowledge them and strive to do better in the future. Vegeta may not be perfect, but he's trying to change, just like the rest of us. I really feel like, with Frieza out of the picture, we'll finally get a chance to see the real Vegeta."

Chi Chi's anger began to dissipate as she absorbed her father's words, as well as Goku's. But then, the bad memories of the battle on Earth, which she had witnessed both over television and on Fortuneteller Baba's crystal ball, flashed through her mind. She tightened her facial features, struggling inwardly with her overpowering emotions. She was still incredibly mad at Vegeta and could not picture herself uttering a single word of apology to the man. Maybe, if she got to slap him a few more times until her boiling rage was satisfied, then she might be able to muster a singular apology for one slap too many. The distraught young woman sank to her knees, tears welling in her eyes. "He… He's never even been punished for what he did! Why doesn't he have to apologize? This isn't fair… That jerk, he really hurt my baby boy!"

Goku let out a ragged sigh. "Gohan's already forgotten about it, Chi."

"I haven't! And I want him punished!" Chi Chi blared, flashing a death glare at Goku.

The orange-clad saiyan recoiled behind Piccolo and peeked out with a brow raised in confusion. "What exactly do you mean, Chi Chi? Punished how?" he inquired, probing for answers.

"The purpose of punishment," the Ox-King interjected as he took a seat once more on the throne, "is to encourage someone to change their ways, to teach them that their actions are unacceptable. He's already doing that without it, so what's the point? Punishing Prince Vegeta now for his past actions would be redundant and maybe even counter-productive. To me, this sounds like a revenge fantasy, Chi Chi. You're better than that. Listen, dear, if you need some time alone to process your emotions, then just say so. I won't arrange the press conference until after lunch, so you'll have plenty of time to gather yourself."

With a deep breath, Chi Chi nodded in reluctant agreement, her resolve softening as she absorbed her father's words. "I understand," she murmured, contrition in her voice. "I'll apologize to the public, of course, and… and… I'll… I'll try to apologize to Vegeta, too… at the press conference."

The Ox-King smiled at his daughter, pride shining in his eyes. "That's my girl," he said softly, his voice filled with paternal affection. "Now, Goku, let's go find Vegeta and make amends. As for you, Chi Chi, take some time to gather yourself before you go meet with the royal speechwriters. You know the routine. Mr. Cardinal, I understand you're a busy man. If you need to do some remote work, the royal secretary can direct you to a private office for your use. Otherwise, feel free to kick back in one of the drawing rooms and, perhaps, order a refreshing beverage or bite to eat from the royal kitchen."

Mr. Cardinal bowed to the sovereign. "Thank you, Sire. The private office sounds quite tempting."

The Ox-King nodded in appreciation and stood up, ushering Goku to accompany him. "Alright, Goku, let's go find that saiyan prince. Did he mention something about the Gravitron?"

"Oh yeah, Ox-King! I'll show you where we put it," Goku replied, their voices fading as they left through the door. "Ah, I can feel his energy there… He must be…" Piccolo cast a glance at Chi Chi before disappearing into the corridor as well, following closely behind Goku and the Ox-King.

Mr. Cardinal knelt down to comfort Chi Chi, placing his hands supportively over her shoulders.

…

The late morning sun beat down upon the courtyard of Ox-King's castle, but it was of no concern to Vegeta inside the air-conditioned Gravitron. Sweat glistened on his brow as he moved with practiced precision, executing a series of fast-paced kicks and punches under the crushing weight of 100x gravity. His muscles strained against the resistance, a testament to his determination and strength.

Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted Vegeta's focused training. He paused, his senses alert, realizing it must be Goku come to join him. With a swift motion, the prince powered down the gravity and opened the door, calling for Goku to enter. But, to his surprise, it was not just Goku who stepped inside.

The imposing figure of the Ox-King entered the room, followed closely by Goku and Piccolo.

Vegeta blinked in confusion, using a towel to wipe the sweat from his brow as he regarded the unexpected guests. "Uh, is something wrong?" he asked, his tone guarded as his eyes panned the three of them.

The Ox-King, his expression solemn, stepped forward and dropped to the floor before in a traditional dogeza pose before the saiyan prince, his forehead touching the ground in a gesture of humility.

Vegeta's eyes widened in disbelief, his face reddening. "What are you doing?!" he blared, stepping back.

The Ox-King's solemn voice filled the room as he addressed Vegeta with a heavy heart. "Prince Vegeta, I come before you with deep remorse," he began, his tone weighted with sincerity. "I beg your forgiveness for my daughter's actions. Her behavior was inexcusable and it shames me to the core."

Vegeta's brows furrowed in confusion, his expression a mix of surprise and deep discomfort. "There's no need for such formalities, Your Majesty. She wasn't strong enough to hurt me anyway."

But the Ox-King shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "No, Prince Vegeta, I cannot let this pass without offering my sincerest apologies," he insisted, his voice uncompromising. "I promise you a public apology will be made later today to address the disgraceful actions that took place inside my palace."

Raising a skeptical brow, Vegeta waved a dismissive hand. "I think your daughter is delightful, really."

The Ox-King rose to his feet, his gratitude evident. "You're too kind, Prince Vegeta," he replied, relief filling his voice. "Thank you for conducting yourself with such royal decorum in the banquet hall. I imagine how things could have been made infinitely worse if you'd chosen to react in anger, as perfectly understandable as that would have been. Truly, you have honored me with your conduct."

Vegeta chuckled. "Saiyans enjoy the company of spirited women. I'm sure that's why Kakarott chose the Ox-Princess for companionship in the first place," he shortly explained, amusement evident in his voice.

The Ox-King nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for Goku to come forward.

Before Goku could speak, Vegeta fixed him with a cautionary glare. "Kakarott, you better not even think about getting down on the floor or you can bet you won't be getting back up again," he warned.

Goku nodded nervously, running a hand through his hair and blushing slightly. "I won't, I promise," he assured Vegeta, poking his fingers together. "I just wanted to apologize because, well, I asked you to come here and then that stupid thing happened. It was really embarrassing and I'm so sorry. And what's worse, I was so shocked and freaked out that I didn't even stand up for you. Gohan had to do that."

Vegeta's expression softened slightly at Goku's earnest apology, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. Casting a glance at Piccolo, Vegeta raised a questioning brow. "And what about you?"

Piccolo smirked in response, his demeanor cool and collected. "I'm not here to apologize," he stated matter-of-factly, "but I did want to thank you for taking the heat off me when Chi Chi confronted us both. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the Ox-Princess freaks me out just as much as she does Goku."

Vegeta responded with a snort of mild derision, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "If Kakarott had grown up on our home planet, he would've been socialized knowing how to handle such women. You never cower. That earns you nothing but disrespect from a saiyaness, or any woman that is remotely like one. It's no different than with a saiyan male who is not your superior. If a challenge is issued, it must be met head on. Do you understand, Kakarott? If you had been thus taught by your father, your woman never would've strayed to another and your family wouldn't be broken. I'm not saying it's your fault, but if you wish to find another mate in the future, you'll need to learn to stand your ground."

Goku listened intently to Vegeta's advice, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed the prince's words. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Vegeta's words. "Thanks, Vegeta. I get what you're saying," Goku began, his voice reflecting earnestness. "But I've always tried to see the good in everyone, even when they're acting all angry or mean. It's just who I am, you know?" He paused, scratching the back of his head with a thoughtful expression. "At the same time, I can see how standing my ground might help in some situations, like with Chi Chi. She can be intense," he chuckled, a hint of fondness in his voice. Turning back to Vegeta, Goku's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, how do I do it? How do I stand my ground without making things worse? I want to be strong like you, but I also want to stay true to who I am," he admitted, seeking further guidance from his saiyan comrade.

Vegeta frowned slightly. "Kakarott, saiyan social interaction has nothing to do with good or bad, per se. I didn't call the woman bad when I confronted her. I called her a firecracker which, from a saiyan perspective, is actually quite the compliment. But if you really want to practice standing your ground like a proper saiyan, I suppose I can help you practice with a role play every now and again."

Goku nodded, absorbing Vegeta's words as he considered the implications of practicing saiyan-like behavior in his interactions. Despite his initial hesitation, he recognized the value in learning from Vegeta's expertise, especially when it came to navigating confrontational situations with strong-willed individuals. With a determined glint in his eyes, Goku met Vegeta's gaze and offered a grateful smile. "That sounds like a great idea, 'Geets," Goku replied, his voice brimming with determination. "I'll give it a try if it means I can get stronger and handle things better. Plus, I really want to learn more about saiyan customs and traditions. Who better to teach me than the Prince of all Saiyans himself?" he added, a hint of admiration coloring his tone. With a renewed sense of purpose, Goku mentally prepared himself for the challenges ahead, eager to embark on this new training journey under Vegeta's guidance.

Vegeta turned back toward the central control panel, waving a dismissive hand. "Very well. We'll revisit this matter when we have some free time and are both up for it. For now, we need to get back to the Control Training. We only have about an hour before the lunch banquet. Piccolo, do you think Gohan has made enough progress with his meditative skills to rejoin us yet?" he asked, glancing back.

"He's close, Vegeta," Piccolo replied. "I'm still working with him. I think the main thing holding him back was the family strife, but now that that's on its way to being resolved, I bet I'll be able to easily get a lot more focus out of him. I'll keep working with him and… maybe check back in a week or so?"

Vegeta bobbed his head. "Understood. Keep us updated."

With that, Piccolo and the Ox-King made their way out of the Gravitron, the latter looking back with a grateful wave. When they were gone, Vegeta pressed buttons to close up the door, lower the window shades, and soften the lighting. "Sitting mats are in the back closet, Kakarott. Go get yourself one."

…

Goku glanced at the digital clock on the wall, pointing out to Vegeta that only ten minutes remained until the lunch banquet. With a sense of urgency, they wrapped up the control training session, feeling encouraged by the progress Goku had made. As Vegeta headed off to clean himself up, Goku took the opportunity to dial up Bulma on his phone, eager to update her on the recent developments.

The phone rang a few times before Bulma's tired voice greeted him on the other end. "Hey, Bulma, it's me," Goku said, his tone laced with concern as he detected the exhaustion in her voice.

"Goku, hey," Bulma replied wearily, her voice carrying the weight of fatigue. "Sorry if I sound like a zombie, but things have been insane here at Capsule Corp with this military conscription nonsense."

Goku's brow furrowed in concern. "What military conscription nonsense?"

"Didn't Vegeta tell you? Ugh, I don't know if you've watched the news lately, but there's some serious civil unrest going on in the south. Earth's military conscripted our whole company into working for them to find technological solutions to suppress the violence and chaos. It's some really iffy stuff they're ordering us to do for them, but I'm too tired to think about it right now," she groaned.

"Oh, no!" Goku cried, feeling a pang of guilt for not keeping up with the news. "Anything I can do?"

Bulma let out a tired chuckle. "Unless you know a way to rapidly clone me, I'll manage," she replied dryly. "But enough about me. What's been going on with you? Any updates on the family sitch?"

Goku took a deep breath, preparing to recount the recent events. "Well, we had a mediation involving the Ox-King, Chi Chi, Mr. Cardinal, Piccolo, and me," he began, his voice steady as he summarized the proceedings. "With the king's guidance, we were able to work out a plan that we hope will prevent things from escalating to divorce court. We're hoping for a fair and peaceful settlement. In fact, the royal stenographer penned the whole agreement and intends to send copies to both of our lawyers on our behalf. Isn't that great? That should definitely help take off some of the pressure."

As Goku explained the details of the mediation, Bulma listened intently, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she absorbed the compelling information. "Wow, that sounds like quite the ordeal," she remarked, impressed by the diplomatic efforts made to resolve the family conflict.

Goku nodded, continuing to recount the details of the agreement reached during the mediation. "The Ox-King explained Gohan's perspective in a neutral way, which helped calm Chi Chi down," he explained. "We agreed on a compromise where Gohan will spend summers and long vacations in the Ox-Kingdom to learn about his future responsibilities and help his grandfather run the kingdom."

Bulma hummed in understanding, processing the information as Goku continued to elaborate on the stipulations discussed during the mediation. "It sounds like you guys came to a fair arrangement," she commented, impressed by the collaborative effort to prioritize Gohan's well-being.

Goku nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we did our best to find solutions that work for everyone," he replied, feeling relieved that they had managed to avoid a messy legal battle. "Now, as for Gohan and this Mr. Cardinal guy. Ox-King explained to Chi Chi that she was rushing the relationship between the two of them and that it was inappropriate for her to give Mr. Cardinal any authority over Gohan since Gohan isn't his son and hasn't known him long enough to trust him. So, during the school year, we agreed that Gohan can live with Chi Chi in their new place in Orange City, but for the time being, Mr. Cardinal will be expected to live separately, except during the summers and vacations when Gohan is away. The Ox-King advised Mr. Cardinal to build up a relationship slowly with Gohan, with Gohan's accord. Now, Chi and Mr. Cardinal weren't perfectly satisfied with this solution, but they seemed to accept it."

Bulma let out a sigh of relief. "That's great to hear. I think you've done a great job of advocating for your kid, Goku. I don't care what anyone says, you're a great father as far as I'm concerned."

Goku blushed bright red. "Aw, thanks, Bulma. That's really nice of you to say. Oh, and Chi Chi and I were able to come to an agreement concerning Gohan's training. We pretty much agree that he shouldn't be involved in any more major battles until he's much older, except as an absolute last resort. However, Ox-King and I seemed to be able to convince Chi Chi that withholding sparring and basic martial arts training from Gohan will actually make him less safe, as he'll be less able to defend himself in the event of being attacked by a powerful fighter. And I was able to give Chi Chi lots of reassurance that any training with Gohan would be done with extra safety measures to prevent him from getting injured. We plan to work out the details of those measures later on. Chi Chi will submit a list of accommodation requests for us to put in place and we'll agree on it with the oversight of the lawyers."

Bulma listened intently to Goku's update, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she processed the details of the agreement concerning Gohan's training. "That's a huge step in the right direction, Goku," she remarked, her voice strong with admiration for his diplomatic efforts. "It's amazing to hear that you and Chi Chi could come to an agreement and it sounds like you've really thought through safety measures for Gohan's training. I'm glad you were able to reassure Chi Chi and address her concerns. It sounds like you guys are really prioritizing Gohan's well-being and that's what matters most." Bulma's words were filled with genuine encouragement as she expressed her support for Goku's dedication to his family.

Goku chuckled and then a thoughtful look befell him. "There's just one thing I'm concerned about still."

"What's that?"

Goku rubbed his chin. "It's that Mr. Cardinal guy. When I first saw him, he looked… I don't know, vaguely familiar? But I can't for my life recall where I'd seen him before. To be totally honest, I really don't trust him, so that's why I'm so happy that we agreed he won't be living with Gohan."

"Huh," Bulma said thoughtfully. "Maybe, he's got a doppelganger somewhere? So, yeah, I guess it's reasons like this that it's wise to take it slow when getting to know new people."

Goku nodded. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Oh, before I forget!" Bulma blurted. "Before he left to join you, Vegeta mentioned something about the possibility of a new alien invasion. Like, he said that Frieza has a family who might come for revenge. It left my parents and me really worried, but Vegeta said that you and Kami are handling it?"

Goku blinked. "Oh, yes. Don't waste your energy worrying about that for now, Bulma. Focus on the present. I have King Kai looking into it for us and we're going to call a meeting on the Lookout soon anyway. Just like all our other challenges, we'll get together and figure out what to do. Got it?"

Bulma breathed an audible sigh of relief. "Okay, can do. Thanks for the reassurance."

"No prob! 'Geets and I will be back Monday. Oh, and I imagine Chi Chi will reach out soon to apologize about the birthday thing. She mentioned something about reimbursing you for the tickets."

Bulma shook her head. "No need, Goku. And, uh, well this isn't the best news, but I'm probably not going to be able to attend the party due to the outrageous workload the military has given us. I'll give you my ticket to give to Chi Chi if she'd like to attend in my place. Also, I'll get her chatting with my mom about the party plans too, since I'm too busy to handle them. Apologize to Gohan for me, will you?"

"Of course! Don't worry, I'm sure he'll understand. Will talk again later. Okay, Bulma?"

"Yuppers!" she replied with some enthusiasm. "Just keep me updated. Bye, Goku!"

"Seeya!"

…

In the solitude of her old bedroom, Chi Chi sat at the foot of her canopy bed, her expression heavy with remorse. Sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, casting soft shadows across the room as she took a deep, steadying breath. With determination etched on her features, she rose to her feet and approached the ornate vanity mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a mix of defiance and uncertainty.

Determined to face the consequences of her actions alone, Chi Chi dressed herself in her royal attire, fingers trembling slightly as she fastened the intricate clasps of her embroidered gown. Despite her pride, or perhaps because of it, she could not shake the feeling of vulnerability that lingered in the pit of her stomach. With a resigned sigh, she smoothed down the fabric of her dress and made her way to the king's private library in one of the castle towers, her steps echoing softly in the empty corridor.

As she entered the well-lit library, Chi Chi found herself greeted by the reassuring presence of the royal speechwriting team. The chief speechwriter, Lila, greeted her with a warm smile, her lavender curls tied up in an elegant bun that complemented her professional attire. Chi Chi could not help but feel a sense of relief at Lila's comforting gesture as she placed a reassuring hand on Chi Chi's trembling one.

"We all make mistakes, Your Highness," Lila began, her voice gentle yet firm. "The people will understand, I promise. So, let's write this thing and get it over with, shall we?"

Chi Chi nodded reluctantly, her gaze flickering between Lila and the editor, Zerat, who sat across from her with a patient expression. Despite her initial reluctance, Chi Chi knew that she needed to take responsibility for her actions and offer a sincere apology to those she had wronged.

With a heavy heart, Chi Chi settled into her seat at the conference table, her posture tense with apprehension. As Lila and Zerat began to discuss the details of her public apology, Chi Chi listened intently, her insides twisting with anxiety. With each word that was carefully crafted, Chi Chi felt a glimmer of hope that she could make amends and earn back the trust of her people.

As Lila and Zerat delved into the details of Chi Chi's public apology, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly uncomfortable for the Ox-Princess. Lila's pen scratched across the paper as she outlined the key points, her voice steady as she made suggestions for the wording of the apology.

"We'll start by expressing your sincere regret for the incident and acknowledging the impact it had on the visiting prince," Lila explained, her tone gentle but firm as she checked her notes. "Err… Prince Vegeta, was it? Yes, then we'll move on to emphasize your commitment to upholding the values of the kingdom and your dedication to resolving future conflicts in a much more dignified manner."

Chi Chi listened attentively, her brow furrowing in concern as she processed Lila's words. However, when Lila brought up mentioning the person Chi Chi had assaulted by name and acknowledging his royal title, Chi Chi could not help but recoil. "Is that really necessary?" she interjected, a feeling of queasiness rising in her stomach. "Do I have to mention him by name? And his title? His title is obsolete anyway, isn't it? His people were destroyed, so who is he prince of anyway? I just… I don't think…"

Zerat cleared his throat. "Your Highness, the only requirement for the title of prince is to be the son of one who is or was in line for the throne, regardless of whether or not the royal parent is still living. If your father was assassinated, would you no longer be the princess of the Ox-Kingdom? You may have abdicated, thus declining to become our queen, but you'll always be a princess no matter what due to the circumstances of your birth. Prince Vegeta can no more renounce his title than you can."

Lila nodded in agreement with her coworker. "This is true, Your Highness. I'm afraid it is absolutely necessary," she replied firmly. "Acknowledging him by name and title demonstrates accountability and shows that you are taking full responsibility for your actions. If you just gloss over this incident in your public apology, the people may hold you in contempt and we really don't want that."

Chi Chi released a ragged sigh. "Alright, fine, but do I have to say 'His Highness, Prince Vegeta,' or can we just shorten it to Prince Vegeta? Isn't that enough?" she uttered almost pleadingly.

Lila and Zerat exchanged glances. "I suppose that would be alright, as long as you acknowledge his name and title," the former replied. "I just thought the address would make it all sound more sincere, but I suppose it could be a bit overkill. What do you think, Zerat?" Lila asked her colleague.

Zerat shrugged and nodded. "Yes, it's acceptable."

Chi Chi allowed some of her anxiety to leave her with another sigh, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap as she muttered to herself, "The arrogant jerk is never going to let me live this down."

Zerat raised a brow. "How can you be sure? How well do you know the saiyan prince?"

Chi Chi grimaced. "We've met just once before in person."

Lila placed a hand on Chi Chi's shoulder, offering her a sympathetic smile. "Look, if he doesn't 'let you live this down,' that says more about him than it does about you, doesn't it, Your Highness? I know it's difficult, Princess Chi Chi," she said softly, "but this is an important step towards reconciliation with your people. We'll get through this together. Besides, you plan on heading back to Orange City after this is all over, so you shouldn't even have to face Prince Vegeta again if you don't want to."

Chi Chi reluctantly nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, I suppose that's true. Alright, let's just finish this thing. I won't object anymore, I promise. I just want to get this over with and put it behind me."

"That's the spirit, Your Highness," Zerat declared with a note of encouragement.

…

The lunch banquet at Ox-King's palace was again a lavish affair, all the tables adorned with fine linens and sparkling silverware. Vegeta, Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, and the Ox-King sat together at the king's table, their conversation punctuated by the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of other guests nearby. With a mischievous smirk, Vegeta leaned towards the Ox-King, his tone laced with amusement. "So, will your lovely daughter be gracing us with her presence soon?" he inquired, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

The Ox-King's expression turned grave as he shook his head. "I'm afraid not," he replied. "She's having a private lunch with the royal speechwriting team to prepare for a press conference later this afternoon."

Vegeta chuckled softly. "Ah, that's too bad. She will be missed."

As the servers arrived with their lunch, Goku piped up, eager to share the news he had just received. "Hey, guys, I got off the phone with Bulma earlier," he announced, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

The group turned their attention to Goku.

"What did she say?" Gohan asked, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

Goku's expression softened as he relayed Bulma's message. "Well, she was happy to hear about the mediation and everything, but she sounded really tired," he explained, his brow furrowing with worry. "She said Capsule Corp got conscripted by the military for some urgent project and she's been working non-stop. I'm honestly kind of worried. It almost sounds like war is on the horizon."

Gohan's shoulders slumped in disappointment, a frown tugging at his lips. "Oh, no. That's terrible," he murmured, his gaze dropping to his plate. "I wonder if there's some way we can help."

Vegeta's brows furrowed as he processed Goku's words. "I talked to the Briefs about this conscription before I left," he interjected, his tone lined with irritation. "They politely declined my offer to blow that asshole commander sky high." He shrugged. "But if they prefer slavery, I guess that's their choice."

Piccolo chuckled softly at Vegeta's remark, shaking his head in amusement.

Goku gave Vegeta a warning nudge and a disapproving look. "Vegeta, that's not funny."

Vegeta raised an eyebrow at Goku's reprimand, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Oh, that actually wasn't a joke," he clarified, his tone defiant. "I really did offer to blow him sky high, and they really did politely decline the offer. Don't worry, Kakarott. I wasn't planning to take things into my own hands by any means. Just thought Bulma and her parents could maybe use the favor."

"I mean… it is a little funny, Goku," Piccolo snickered, unable to suppress a smirk.

With a sigh, Goku shook his head, realizing that arguing with Vegeta or Piccolo was an exercise in futility. "Let's just enjoy our lunch, okay?" he suggested, a note of weariness in his voice.

"Oh, I have no plans of doing otherwise," Vegeta retorted, popping a deviled egg into his mouth and savoring it. After chewing and swallowing, he glanced over his shoulder at Goku, who was staring at him with a peeved look. "You're looking a little worn, Kakarott. Maybe, take a nap before our training."

"You hush."

Gohan scratched his head. "There's gotta be some other way we can help though, don't you think?"

Vegeta ignored Goku's glare and glanced to the boy. "Hm. Well, kid, since affairs of state are very much set to become your business in the future, I would suggest that you start by educating yourself on the problem that led up to this conscription. As I recall from the breakfast conversation at Capsule Corp, the Briefs said that some people were starting to distrust Earth's government due to a history of cover ups and concealing information from the public. That, in turn, has led to this 'civil unrest' that seems to have started in or around South City. So, maybe read the news? Now, if these southern Earthlings are correct, I'd recommend taking what you read with a grain of salt. Still, it should provide some insight."

Gohan's face brightened in excitement. "Oh, yeah! That's a great idea, Vegeta!" He looked up to the Ox-King. "What do you think, Grandpa? You know all about state affairs, being a king and all."

The Ox-King returned a wide grin, echoing Gohan's enthusiasm with his facial expression. "Yes, that sounds like a marvelous idea! We can make it a little summer project to get you started with your royal education, my boy. I'll tell you what, how about we reschedule the orchard tour we were going to do this afternoon to another day and get you set up with some royal researchers to start gathering information from as many news sources as possible? Wouldn't that be fun and educational?"

"Yeah, let's do that! Agricultural stuff can wait. I think this seems more urgent."

Vegeta sat back in his chair, momentarily admiring his fingernails in a nonchalant manner. "Alright, you have fun with your little book report, kid. Let us know if you find anything remotely interesting."

"I will!"

The Ox-King waved to one of the royal attendants nearby during a lull in the tide of table orders. The man approached and leaned over as the king whispered something in his ear. Then he met the Ox-King's eyes with a smile and nodded before padding off. The sovereign turned his attention back to the table. "I asked Oxel to find us some recent newspapers talking about the uprising. I'll read it aloud when he gets it."

For a few minutes, they ate in silence. The attendant returned bearing a platter with a folded paper.

"Thank you so much," the Ox-King replied, taking the newspaper and unfolding it.

Everyone at the table went quiet to listen.

"Well, let's see here. Ah, the civil unrest in the south," the Ox-King said, finding the article. "Headline: Protests Erupt in South City: Alleged Government Cover-Ups Spark Outcry Among Citizens," he began, pausing to clear his throat. "South City finds itself in the throes of unrest as citizens take to the streets to protest against what they perceive as government cover-ups and secrecy. The latest catalyst for these demonstrations stems from mounting suspicions surrounding recent events, particularly the invasion of hostile aliens that allegedly threatened global security months back. Many believe that the government has deliberately concealed vital information, making false claims to the populace that the whole event was simply an elaborate hoax. Calls for transparency and accountability have grown louder as angry protesters demand answers from tight-lipped government officials. As tensions escalate…"

"If they're talking about Nappa and I," Vegeta interjected, "and the government of Earth has claimed our arrival to be a hoax, then I suppose that proves they really are covering up information. Hence, the protesters are correct. Alright, now, I'm going to just throw this out there and any one of you can tell me if you think this is a bad idea. Given that I have very little knowledge of Earth culture and politics, I suppose this could easily go horribly wrong, but here goes: What if… the Ox-King called another one of these 'press conferences' and I go tell the Earthlings that the invasion did, in fact, happen. And, if they don't believe me, I could… wait, no. I'd only be able to do that in a few months from now. That wouldn't work with my… hm. Well, damn, I don't know how I'd prove it without being able to transform into a Giant Monkey. But, imagine that I could and I did. Voila: The truth is out there, the government can't deny it, and they have to deal with it. What could the worst-case scenario be in that situation?"

Every eye at the table was on Vegeta, who simply smirked. "Prince Vegeta," Ox-King began with a long pause as he considered his words carefully, "has anyone ever told you that you have balls of steel?"

"Eh, once or twice," Vegeta admitted, taking a sip from his glass of fruit juice.

Goku eyed Vegeta. "So, would this press conference go hand in hand with a public apology, or…?"

Vegeta chuckled. "Not at all. It's simply… bringing the truth out into the open. Maybe your lying government should issue a 'public apology' for their deceit though, don't you think?"

"Well, I'd say that could cause a huge global panic because the people of Earth might think that you've returned to, I don't know, finish the job?" Gohan pointed out in an even voice. "And I don't think they'd accept an apology from the government for such a huge lie. I think at least some of them might even try to overthrow the government and that would mean a lot of bloodshed. Then, if they were to succeed in overthrowing the government, there would be chaos until a new government could be established."

The Ox-King patted his grandson affectionately on the head. "That's very insightful, Gohan. I have to say, it's a relief to know that I finally have an heir I can count on to take care of things when I pass away."

Piccolo grinned. "Yeah, I'm sure Gohan will make a fine king someday."

The Ox-King nodded enthusiastically in agreement, then turned his attention to the saiyan prince. "Well, even if your suggestion isn't viable as is, Vegeta, I think it's sparked a real quality brainstorming session here that could eventually lead us to the right answer. So, either way, well done. Somehow, we'll find a way to help the Briefs and maybe even help the distressed people of South City while we're at it."

Vegeta nodded.

As the conversation wound down, the Ox-King glanced around the table, his gaze lingering on each of his companions in turn. "Well, my friends, it seems we have much to consider," he remarked, a note of determination in his voice. "But, for now, let us finish our meals and enjoy each other's company. We may not have all the answers yet, but together, I believe we can find a way to make a difference."

Goku nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Yeah, you're right, Ox-King," he replied, his tone optimistic. "We've faced tough challenges before and we've always come out stronger in the end."

Gohan's expression brightened hearing his father and grandfather's words, a sense of hopefulness filling his heart. "I'm with you all the way," he declared, his voice full of conviction.

Piccolo offered a reassuring nod, his gaze steady as he met the eyes of each of his companions. "We may not always see eye to eye, but when it comes down to it, we're all on the same side," he stated.

Vegeta smirked, a glint of determination shining in his eyes. "I, for one, am glad to leave the complicated Earth politics to these two," he said, nodding to Gohan and the king. "As for myself, I'd rather get back to training. So, Kakarott, hurry up and finish your food. When you're done, I'll meet you in the Gravitron." With that, Vegeta rose to his feet, grabbing a fruit from a nearby basket, and strutted off.

Goku's face brightened in excitement. "Okay, coming!" he replied, turning back to his plate. He polished it off in less than a minute and jumped up, racing off in the direction Vegeta had gone.

…

The Gravity Room hummed with energy as Goku and Vegeta sparred within its confines, their movements fluid and precise despite the increased gravity weighing down on them. Beads of sweat glistened on their brows as they exchanged blows, the air crackling with the intensity of their training session. Suddenly, a sharp rap sounded at the door, momentarily interrupting the practice combat. Goku and Vegeta paused, their senses on high alert. Goku powered down the Gravitron and approached the entrance. With a quick press of a button, the door dropped down, revealing a servant from the castle standing on the grass.

"Excuse me, Mr. Son, Prince Vegeta," the servant from the banquet hall, Oxel, began, his voice respectful yet mildly urgent. "I've been instructed to inform you that you have both been cordially invited to attend this evening's press conference in the royal press room. It's scheduled to start in ten minutes."

Goku scratched his head, a look of mild confusion crossing his features. "Uh, are we required to go?" the taller saiyan asked, casting a glance at Vegeta, who looked a bit confused himself.

Oxel shook his head. "No, sir. It's entirely voluntary. You're invited to attend if you wish."

Vegeta snorted dismissively, already eager to return to their training. "Forget about it," he declared, his tone brusque. "I'd rather get back to training than waste my time at some press conference."

Goku nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, me too," he replied, turning to face Oxel. "Thanks for letting us know, though. You have a great day now, mister!"

The servant bowed respectfully. "Of course, Mr. Son. If you need anything at all from the castle, please don't hesitate to ask." With a polite nod, he took his leave, padding off through the grass.

Goku wasted no time in powering up the Gravitron once more, the room filling with the familiar hum of energy. As the gravity increased around them, Goku and Vegeta resumed their training with renewed focus, their minds set on pushing their limits and achieving new heights of strength and power.

…

Chi Chi's heart raced as she made her way to the back room of the royal press chamber, her mind swirling with nerves and fearful anticipation. As she pushed open the door, she was met with the sight of her son, Gohan, waiting for her with a warm smile. Without a moment's hesitation, she rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight embrace, her arms trembling slightly with emotion. "Oh, Gohan," Chi Chi said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to blindside you with the divorce."

Gohan returned her embrace, his arms wrapping around her in a comforting gesture. "It's okay, Mom," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "Grandpa told me all about the new plan discussed during the mediation. I'm happy with the outcome and I'm not mad at you anymore. Maybe, in time, I can grow to like Mr. Cardinal. Who knows? No matter what, I'm going to try to keep an open mind. Okay?"

Tears welled up in Chi Chi's eyes as she pulled back to look at her son, overwhelmed with gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Gohan," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I love you so much."

Gohan smiled, eyes shining with affection. "I love you too, Mom."

Just then, Lila poked her head into the room, her expression professional yet kind. "Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness," she began, addressing Chi Chi, "But everything is set up for the press conference. All you need to do is read from the teleprompter. Easy as pie. You think you're ready?"

Chi Chi's stomach churned with apprehension at the thought of facing the public, but something else concerned her even more. "Is Vegeta in attendance?" she asked, her voice quavering slightly.

Lila shook her head. "No, Your Highness," she replied, "Oxel reported that both of the saiyans elected to continue sparring with each other rather than attend the press conference."

A wave of relief washed over Chi Chi, the bulk of her anxiety vanishing. Straightening her posture, she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, a newfound sense of confidence coursing through her veins. Then she almost chuckled. "Well, that's a surprise. I never thought in a million years I'd be grateful to saiyans for just being saiyans. Alright," she declared, her voice steady, "let's do this thing!"

With a determined stride, Chi Chi walked through the curtain and into the press chamber, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and grace. The flashing of hundreds of cameras did not phase her as she conducted herself with royal dignity. She approached the microphone, curtsying graciously to the whole audience. "Lords, ladies, and all other honored attendees," she began, reading flawlessly from the teleprompter. "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for taking the time to join us here today. Your presence speaks volumes about your commitment to our kingdom, and for that, I am grateful. As many of you may be aware, an unfortunate incident occurred earlier today in the royal banquet hall for which I am at fault. I feel it is my responsibility to address this matter openly and honestly with you all. During the course of the event, I instigated a physical altercation with a royal guest of my father's seated with him at the king's table. I accept the blame to be entirely my own, as Prince Vegeta both reacted in good humor and refrained from reciprocating the violence of my actions."

With a deep breath, Chi Chi continued her speech, her voice unwavering as she took full ownership. "I deeply regret my behavior and the embarrassment it has caused to both the royal family and our esteemed guests. Violence has no place in civilized society and, as a member of the royal family, I understand that I must uphold the highest standards of conduct at all times. I offer my sincerest apologies to the individual involved, Prince Vegeta, as well as to all those who witnessed the altercation. Moving forward, I am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not occur again. I will seek guidance and counseling to address the underlying issues that contributed to my actions. Furthermore, I pledge to redouble my efforts to serve our kingdom with dignity, integrity, and respect. In closing, I humbly ask for your understanding and forgiveness. I am truly sorry for the harm that I have caused and I am dedicated to earning back the trust and respect of our community. Thank you for your attention and may we all strive to build a brighter future together." With her final words on the matter spoken, Chi Chi curtsied once more to the applauding audience before exiting the stage, her head high with a newfound resolve.

…

The courtyard of the Ox-King's palace buzzed with activity as a small crowd gathered near Mr. Cardinal's airship. The sleek vessel stood tall, its metallic exterior gleaming in the sunlight as it awaited its passengers. Among the crowd, Chi Chi knelt with her young son in a tight embrace, tears glistening in her eyes as she held him close. The Ox-King, Piccolo, and a few attendees from the earlier press conference stood nearby, their expressions a mix of sadness and understanding. "Promise me, you'll take care of your father, Gohan," Chi Chi murmured, her voice choked with emotion as she cast a grateful glance at the Gravitron humming nearby. "Make all of us proud. I know you will," the young mother said.

Gohan nodded, his eyes brimming with tears. "I will, Mom. I promise. And I'll miss you so much."

A bittersweet smile tugged at Chi Chi's lips as she brushed a stray tear from Gohan's cheek. "I'll miss you too, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "More than you'll ever know. But, hey, we'll see each other at Dream Land in a few days anyway. What's a few days, am I right?"

"Absolutely!" Gohan exclaimed. "I can't wait! Also, I'm super excited to start my new school in the fall. I promise, this year, I'll study harder than ever knowing that I have a whole kingdom counting on me."

With a final, lingering kiss on Gohan's forehead, Chi Chi reluctantly released her son and rose, taking Mr. Cardinal's hand in hers. She turned to the crowd, her expression filled with gratitude and sadness. "Thank you all for your support," she said, her voice carrying over the courtyard. "I'll never forget this moment."

The crowd murmured their farewells as Chi Chi and Mr. Cardinal made their way towards the airship. With one last wave to Gohan and the others, Chi Chi stepped aboard, her heart aching over their temporary parting. As the airship's engines roared to life, carrying them away from the palace, Chi Chi could not help but feel a pang of sadness at leaving her childhood home behind. However, she knew that this journey was necessary, both for herself and her son, as she had much work to do in Orange City both in the settling of the divorce, setting up their new penthouse home, and planning for the year ahead.

As the airship ascended into the sky, Chi Chi turned to Mr. Cardinal, her eyes shining with affection. "Let's go," she said, her voice steady. "We have work to do." And with that, they embarked on their journey, leaving behind the familiar comforts of the Ox-Kingdom in pursuit of a brighter future.