Xu Xian smiled at the young couple's passionate embrace. After many years of isolation, it was nice to see something as pure as true love overcoming such hardships. Alas, as it often does, thoughts of love naturally turned his mind to his own heart and the woman who, even now, still owned it.
He looked back towards the blazing fire with longing.
Was it true? Was his lady really waiting for him on the other side? It had been so long since he had seen her lovely face and yet he could still recall her gentle smile or the way her cheeks flushed as he gazed into her eyes.
Xu Xian placed a hand to his heart, hoping to calm it.
He would give anything to see her again…but would the fires even let him pass? After all this time, he feared it was too late.
When she had not appeared on this side of the flame all those years ago, his heart had filled with doubt. From fear that she had been unable to pass, which naturally led to more questions for which he had no answers, to worrying that perhaps she had simply forsaken him. All heavy thoughts indeed, but there was one fear worse still. If he had led his love to her death? Not even he could survive that.
Weighed down with uncertainty, he knew trying to cross once more would only end in failure. And though the young couple claimed she waited on just the other side, sadly time had only made those doubts grow stronger. The confidence he once felt long discarded.
If…if only he could speak to her. Understand what happened. Maybe then he migh…
His thoughts trailed off as a shadow appeared in the fire, coming steadily towards them. It moved slowly but did not waiver, and Xu Xian's heart sped up, daring to hope. Could…could it be…
…
Goku tore his lips from Chi-Chi's as a familiar scent hit his nose, and looked up as a great white snake emerged from the fire, rising high above them all.
"What the…"
He shoved Chi-Chi behind him as a stunned Xu Xian stepped forward, an incredulous smile fighting its way to his lips.
"My lady?"
His what now?
Chi-Chi gasped beside him. "Bai?!"
Goku looked to Chi-Chi and back again, confused as hell. Was she talking about the snake? He opened his mouth to ask…what he didn't know, but before he could find out Xu Xian spoke up once more.
"My lady, could that really be you?" He questioned, unable to believe his eyes. For years he had hoped and prayed, to think today was the day his wishes would finally be answered!
The snake coiled into a tight little ball that shined brightly for a moment as it morphed into a human form, but when the light dimmed it did indeed reveal a stunned Bai, who held her hands pressed to her lips in shock.
"Xu Xian? Xu Xian, is it really you?"
She reached a shaky hand towards him but it was quickly brushed aside as Xu Xian swept her up into his arms.
"My lady! You are finally here! Oh how I have longed for this day!"
"B-But…but how?" Bai trembled, unable to keep her shaking at bay. "Over…over two hundred years have passssed. H-How are you s-ssstill alive?"
"These waters have magical properties. They have kept me in my prime," he explained.
He said it so simply, as if it were nothing at all, but for Bai this was the worst sort of news. In fact it was entirely too much!
"Why did you not come back?!" She cried, unable to restrain her emotions any longer. "Why did you let me think you had died?!"
How could he not realize that his death would torment her so?!
Her tears flowed freely and as the back of Xu Xian's fingers brushed them from his lady's face, nostalgia filled his heart. In the past, he had done such a movement a thousand times. He hoped to do so another thousand times more.
"I was afraid," he admitted after a moment. "When you did not appear, I feared that I had either led you to your death or that you had forsaken me. The thought of either was too much to bear. With such fear, I could not pass through the flames once more unscathed."
"Then…then it truly is all my fault," Bai whimpered, turning away from him. "You have suffered all this time because I am the worst sort of coward."
Xu Xian stayed silent, unable to deny her words. Not when he did not know her reasoning. "Why did you not come?"
Why? Did he really have to ask?
"Did you not see?!" Bai demanded, gesturing to herself. "I am not what you expected! I am not hu—"
"You mean your true form?"
Xu Xian smiled, pulling her back into his arms.
"Oh my darling, I have known from the beginning. Was that really the reason you did not follow?" And all this time he had feared the worse! He pressed his head against hers, mourning how foolish they had both been. "I am so sorry, beloved. I thought you were aware that I knew! You…" He sighed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You must have lived with this fear for some time."
She had. She really had.
Bai wept as she clung to the man she had once believed lost to her forever but even though her heart ached for the pain they had both endured, she knew, with time, they would both finally begin to heal.
…
"Isn't it romantic?" Chi-Chi sighed, clasping her hands together tight. After all this time, they were finally reunited!
Romantic? Goku scratched his head, wondering if he would ever understand that term but as he watched Chi-Chi smiling happily at the oblivious pair he thought maybe he could understand just a little.
He slipped his arms around her, needing to feel Chi-Chi safe in his arms, and smiled when she looked his way again.
"Now what?"
"Now," Chi-Chi smiled. "We celebrate."
After what they'd just gone through, she thought they could both use a little relaxation, and they still had two nights at the resort. It would be good to use this time to rest so that they could be ready for the last leg of their journey. But before that…
Her gaze drifted down to the water.
"It's a shame we don't have anything to store this in."
"Store what?" Goku asked. "The water?"
Chi-Chi nodded. "Yes, it seems very powerful. It could come in handy in the future if we don't have any senzu on hand."
"Leave it to me," he grinned, reaching into the magic pouch by his side. Goku imagined a tall thermos and felt something cool and metal drop into his hands. He pulled out the item and offered it to Chi-Chi. "Will this do?"
"It's perfect! But how'd you do that?"
Goku explained how he'd gotten the pouch and what it did, shocking Chi-Chi. That sure was a useful little item but she hoped they hadn't stolen the thermos from someone who couldn't afford to replace it. She made a mental note to make him think of her father the next time he needed to use it. Her father wouldn't mind if something disappeared and she wouldn't feel too guilty for taking it.
It was too late to do anything about it now though, so Chi-Chi knelt by the stream and submerged the thermos, scooping up as much water as it could hold before sealing it tight. When she was finished, she stored it in the capsule she kept their food—which was alarmingly empty—and then dusted herself off, ready to leave.
"Bai!" Chi-Chi called, breaking the attention of the lovers from one another as she moved to join them. "I think we're gonna take off now. Thank you so much for your help. We couldn't have done it without you."
Bai smiled and took Chi-Chi's hand. "It is I who should be thanking you. Thank you for giving me the courage to do what I could not so many years ago. You will be traveling in search of Baihu now, yes?"
Chi-Chi nodded that they would.
"You will find him in a land far east from here—as far as you can go—near a village called Mahaan Baagh. Alas, that is all I know for none have ever had reason to go until now." Bai smiled at this, proud of the young woman, but her smile soon grew serious. "There is, however, something I must warn you of."
"What is it?" Chi-Chi asked as Goku stepped up beside her. If there was a threat, he wanted to know about it.
"The man—the other boarder where I stayed—he is not a good man." Bai told her, meeting Chi-Chi's gaze firmly with her own. "His name is Niulang and once long ago he had a sweetheart named Zhinu."
Chi-Chi gasped. "You mean like the princess and the cowherd?"
"Oh you know of them?"
She nodded shakily. Was there anyone who didn't?
"Well that makes this easier to explain then," Bai reasoned, though she hated that there was a need to at all. "The one thing he has longed for all this time is to be reunited permanently with Zhinu. To that end he plans to have you and Goku take their places, forcing you on opposite sides of the heavens with the exception of once a year."
"What?!" Chi-Chi cried, stepping backward in shock. Goku placed a comforting hand on her shoulder but focused on Bai, wanting answers.
"Why us?" he demanded, gripping Chi-Chi tighter. "Revenge for the bastard?"
But Bai had no answers, not truly. She had long given up on understanding that man.
"I do not know…but to trick the King of the Heavens…it will require a powerful spell. Niulang has dabbled in enough dark magic over the years to know of one I am sure, but such spells cannot be used on just anyone. I can only assume you fit some sort of criteria."
"My lady is correct," Xu Xian agreed, wearing a grim expression. "The two of you must resemble them enough for such plans to work."
"What could we possibly have in common?" Chi-Chi demanded, unable to make sense of it all, but Goku knew.
He growled and pulled her tighter to him. "Ain't it obvious, Chi-Chi? Ya said she was a princess, right?"
Oh.
Could that really be it?
Chi-Chi didn't know what to think. Sure her people called her a princess but their kingdom was small. She was in no way equal to a daughter of the King of Heaven.
She frowned, not liking this at all. Who knew when or where—or even how!—this man would attack. Was she just supposed to sit around and wait for it to happen? Was there no way to hunt him down instead? She'd much rather face them head on.
Goku seemed to be of a similar mind because he smirked and said, "He's in that castle in the sky, right? I'll finish him off before he can try."
"The castle moves," Bai sighed. "And quite often at that. To find him without Hou Yi's steed is nearly impossible."
"Well how do we find his steed?"
"You cannot. He can only be summoned by his master's whistle."
Goku tsked, his frustration clearly growing, and though Chi-Chi felt similar, she could see there was nothing they could do at the moment.
"Thank you for the warning," she said eventually. "I promise we'll be on guard."
Bai took Chi-Chi's hands in hers once more.
"I pray our paths cross again someday but if they do not, may fortune favor you," she murmured.
"And you as well," Chi-Chi smiled. "If you ever need anything, come find me. My father on Mt. Frypan can assist you."
"I will."
The couples exchanged another round of goodbyes and then Chi-Chi and Goku walked back through the fires, hand in hand. This time, however, what had previously taken several minutes only took a mere handful of seconds. Chi-Chi could only conclude it was used more as a deterrent for keeping people out, then trapping those few who managed to pass inside.
But that was no longer her concern. She didn't think they would ever need to come here again.
So brushing the day's events from her thoughts, Chi-Chi thought about what they'd do next. She figured they would make their way to the beach and swim back across to Junrei but Goku's feet came to a halt, anchoring her to the spot instead.
She turned back to check on him. "Goku? You okay?"
Goku frowned, frustrated that she even had to ask.
Of course he wasn't okay! He didn't understand how she was!
Another bad guy was trying to separate him and Chi-Chi. He didn't want that, he wanted to be with her always, but it seemed like something was always coming up, trying to keep her from him!
Just thinking about never seeing her again…it made him feel like he was back in that little cave after Chi-Chi had just said goodbye…like he was about to lose her forever.
It scared him.
The last time he'd felt this way had been the morning he'd woken up with everything crushed around him, his Grandpa nowhere to be found…
He didn't want that. He didn't wanna lose Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi was supposed to be with him.
They were gonna get married and live on Mt. Paozu and go on adventures and be a family! Just like they talked about.
Chi-Chi…Chi-Chi was important to him. Maybe even more important than Grandpa and Grandpa had raised him! The thought of losing Chi-Chi…he hated it more than he hated anything in his entire life. Whether it was his own fault or someone else's, he never wanted to lose her.
"Chi-Chi," Goku muttered, pulling her towards him. "I won't let him take you. I'll keep ya safe, I promise."
Chi-Chi smiled, her gaze going soft. "Oh Goku, I know you will."
"No I mean it!" He insisted, feeling like she didn't understand. "You…you're special to me." He cupped her face with his hands, staring into her warm, dark eyes. "You…you're like…like Grandpa!"
"Huh?"
"Grandpa," he repeated, as if that explained everything but at Chi-Chi's confused expression, he knew he had to try again. "When I was a kid, no one was more important to me than Grandpa. I woulda moved heaven and earth to protect him. Just like he woulda for me or like…" Like you did, he wanted to say, remembering the fierce expression in her gaze as she carried him back through the fire.
He shook his head, trying to focus.
"But…but I wasn't there. I wasn't there to protect him and then he…he was my world, Chi-Chi. And then Bulma came and I got ta travel and meet all sorts of people but none of them ever came close to Grandpa. Not until y—"
"GOKUUUUU!"
"—Bulma?" Goku pulled back, confused.
Chi-Chi would have been offended but before she could even question why he was mentioning another woman, a second voice could be heard calling for Goku as well.
"Yamcha?" Goku blinked, as his friends—apparently having spotted them—began running up the path. He stared in shock until they stumbled to a stop in front of him, huffing a little due to the incline. "It really is you guys!" He cried, pointing at them. "What are you doing here?"
"Is that anyway to greet your friends?!" Bulma snapped, slapping his hand down.
"S-Sorry, but ya gotta admit it's a little unexpected."
"Yamcha's treating me to a cruise with his first official Taitans' paycheck!" She explained, eying the man in question with sly eyes. "I guess there are some benefits to you signing with them after all. Anyways! Back to you mister." She said, returning her attention to Goku and jabbing him with a finger. "We saw you, you know! Racing on motorbikes? What? Fighting not enough for you now?"
Chi-Chi frowned at the woman's tone. Why did she have a problem with Goku branching out and trying new things? Not that she valued the opinion of either of his friends as they had yet to even acknowledge her presence. "So ya saw us when they broadcasted the race. That doesn't explain how you found us here."
A cruise wouldn't stop on an uninhabited island, especially not one so dangerous.
"Huh?" Bulma blinked, confused at being addressed by someone other than Yamcha or Goku. "Oh hi there, Chi-Chi, right? I didn't realize you were still tagging along with Goku."
Tagging along?! Her? Chi-Chi clenched her fists wanting to smack the woman. This was her trip! If anyone was tagging along it was Goku!
"She didn't mean anything by that, honest!" Yamcha apologized, sensing Chi-Chi's growing fury. "R-Right Bulma?"
Bulma shrugged, noncommittal. "It was more an observation about Goku. You know how he is, always leaving people behind."
"You can't expect him to be around every second of the day," Chi-Chi argued. "But you still haven't explained how you found us here."
"Haven't you heard?" Bulma smirked. "I'm a genius. I knew Goku had probably collected at least one dragon ball by now so I made a new radar based off my old schematics and tracked him here!"
What?
Chi-Chi turned to Goku. "When did you find a dragon ball?"
"Ohohoho, you didn't know?" Bulma laughed.
Goku rubbed the back of his neck, feeling sheepish. He thought he'd told her about that.
"Remember when I left to get the Tournament reinstated?" He asked, smiling when Chi-Chi nodded. "I was gonna make a wish but then I remembered our fight with Xuan Wu and thought I better hold onto 'em in case something happened."
Chi-Chi shivered, recalling how close they might have come to making a wish that day. Thank goodness the water worked but leave it to Goku to do something so thoughtful without telling anyone else. "That was smart thinking. I'm just glad we haven't had to use them yet."
"I bet that's the first time you heard that, 'ey Goku?" Yamcha joked, earning a giggle from Bulma, but Goku shook his head no and grinned.
"Chi-Chi calls me smart all the time!" He said proudly, making sweat drop from both his friends' foreheads.
"You're kidding!"
"And what's wrong with that?" Chi-Chi demanded. If they were his friends then surely they knew how clever he could be. "My Goku is very smart."
But his friends weren't so easily convinced.
"That's the power of love for you," Yamcha muttered, shaking his head enviously as Bulma just laughed her words off like a joke.
"Anyways! Since we're all here, let's hit the clubs! I bet a touristy place like this has a killer night scene."
"Sorry," Goku told her. "But we've got plans."
Chi-Chi frowned and turned to Goku.
"We do?"
"Dontcha remember Chi?" Goku asked, raising a single brow as he gave her a knowing look. "You promised we'd—"
"OH!"
Chi-Chi gasped and pressed her hands over Goku's mouth with a blush. There was only one thing she'd promised him lately that he didn't seem like he would let her forget.
"You're right! I'd forgotten."
Not that she was eager to go anywhere with his friends.
She looked to the sky and noticed the sun was beginning to set. "It's gotten rather late. We should probably be getting back to our room now."
Bulma pursed her lips, shocked at Goku's betrayal. He might be willing to ditch them for Chi-Chi for now but there was one thing she knew he'd never lose interest in.
"Okaaaaay but you're gonna be missing out on the best food this region has to offer. My treat!"
"Food?" Goku gulped, pressing a hand to his stomach. He was really hungry. He looked to Chi-Chi, hoping she'd tell him what to do, but Chi-Chi just smiled.
She had made a promise to herself to feed him the best meal she could. She wouldn't deny him this. "It's okay. We still have tomorrow."
But tomorrow wasn't good enough for Goku. He was gonna enjoy the tub with Chi-Chi tonight! He was determined. He wouldn't eat himself into another food coma.
o0o
Goku groaned at the pounding of the door, wishing whoever was there would just go away. He reached for the clock by the bedside and pouted when he noted the time read seven A.M.
Wait.
Seven A.M.?!
Goku jolted to a sitting position and looked out the window, noting the sun shining brightly. Oh man! He hadn't meant to fall asleep! He had only meant to rest his eyes a little but after such a long day, a little had turned into a lot!
The knocking continued.
"Goku," Chi-Chi grumbled into her pillow. "Would ya see who's at the door?"
"Chi-Chi, we fell asleep! It's morning!"
"Goku, the door?"
"But Chi-Chi whatta 'bout the tub?" he whined.
The knocks grew louder.
Chi-Chi sighed and rolled out of bed, grabbing a robe and tossing the other to Goku. "It's fine. We still have another night and we don't have to worry about hunting down Zhuque today so that means there'll be nothing to stop us."
She opened the door.
"Finally!" Bulma huffed, pushing her way past Chi-Chi. "It's about time you two sleepy heads woke up!" She eyed Goku's chest, not hidden by his open robe, and then looked around the room, frowning when she noted there was only one bed and no blankets on the couch or floor.
Bulma went back to admiring Goku's chest.
"Anyways, hurry up and pack. The boat leaves in an hour."
"Why would we need to pack to see you off?" Chi-Chi demanded, cutting in front of Goku to glare at her, but if Bulma had any shame at getting caught ogling, she didn't show it.
"Because you're coming with! Duh!"
Bulma smiled and shook her head in amusement. "I've already talked to the management and it looks like your hotel and the cruise are owned by the same people! So I got you rooms on the cruise instead. Aren't I the greatest?"
"Coming with? Us?" Goku asked, trying to make sure he understood correctly. "So…we wouldn't be staying here tonight?"
"Nope!"
"But we gotta!" he cried, starting to panic. They still hadn't used the tub yet! He tugged Chi-Chi's sleeve. "Tell her Chi-Chi!"
Gladly!
Chi-Chi gave Bulma her best no nonsense look. "It's very kind of you to think of us but we only planned to stay here one more night. We don't have time for a cruise."
"Then you'll be happy to know we're stopping in the next port tomorrow," Bulma smiled. She winked at Goku. "Don't worry, I made sure they had enough food for even your stomach. Besides, the manager's already rebooked this room."
Chi-Chi glared as Goku looked helplessly between the two, but he could sense that they were beaten.
He crossed his arms and pouted. "Aw man!"
o0o
Sagojo cursed at the ungodly racket, wishing there were easier methods to tracking his target other than mingling with the tourists and their diseased spawns while he waited for the girl to leave her hotel room. He had thought to grab her on her way back from Zhuque's island, the distance between this one and that long enough to give him plenty of opportunity, but then two others had showed, traveling in a metal contraption the likes of which he had never seen, and any chance he had hoped to take the girl and run dwindled down to none.
So he did the only thing he could do and followed.
Surely there would be another occasion to grab the girl and even have some fun.
And yet that moment never came.
She was surrounded by people, never alone, and though Sagojo did not fear the girl, he was wary of making a move when two muscular men lingered near her the entire night. He was not weak by any means, but he was also not a fool nor a fighter.
So he waited and waited and waited and waited—did the man ever stop eating?!—until they'd finally left the restaurant only for them to head into what looked like a hotel for the rest of the night.
Sagojo sighed.
He had performed similar tasks for Niulang in the past but they had never taken more than a day. If this kept up he feared he might not meet his contractor's deadline and though physically Sagojo knew he could take him, Niulang knew dark magic, that could make a kappa wish he were dead rather than not.
It would not do to cross such a man.
He frowned and glanced at the cafe windows to check that his disguise still remained in place. Seeing the blonde human reflected back at him brought him pleasure, but not as much as when his gaze flickered back to the hotel doors only to spy the girl and her companions coming out last.
Finally!
He rose to his feet and followed, intent on grabbing her today, but froze when they made their way to a large ship only to climb up the ramp to get on it.
'Perfect,' his mind hissed, already scaling the boat with ease. Even if he failed today, the girl was surrounded by water. All he would need was a second and then he could magic her away before her friends even noticed she was gone. Not even the bottomless pit would be able to stop him.
o0o
"Right this way," Bulma ordered, guiding them to the suites on the VIP deck.
Yamcha frowned as he looked around. "Wait a sec Bulma. I thought you said their rooms were on the same floor as us."
"They are."
The rooms Yamcha had gotten were nice but she was Bulma Briefs. She only traveled in the most luxurious style. So she'd had them all upgraded. She pointed to a door on the right. "This is my room, Yamcha's is across the hall and Goku, you're next to Yamcha. Sorry Chi-Chi," Bulma said, not looking sorry at all. "Your room is several floors below. The other room on this floor was already taken."
Chi-Chi narrowed her eyes but Goku wasn't bothered. "Don't need it. Chi-Chi sleeps with me."
Bulma laughed.
"Goku, you may have had to rough it traveling with Chi-Chi but you're riding with me now." Ah the way the poor man's mind worked. "Besides, we girls like to have space to make ourselves pretty."
"But Chi-Chi's already pretty," Goku frowned, not understanding what the problem was.
Yamcha grinned and elbowed him in his side. "Smooth."
"I'm staying with Goku," Chi-Chi cut in, though her cheeks were bright red. As flustered as she was though, she wasn't about to let Bulma get her way on this one. "Although it's surprising…"
"What?" Bulma questioned, her brows narrowing at Chi-Chi's tone.
"Nothing…I just thought, since you and Yamcha have been a couple for years now, that you would be the ones sharing a room but I must have been mistaken."
Chi-Chi shrugged and turned to Goku, slipping her hand into his. "C'mon, let's go unpack."
"I'll have you know that I have standards!" Bulma yelled after them, making Yamcha frown.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hmph! It means I don't jump into bed after dating a guy for only a few months!"
"More like a few hours," he muttered, recalling her behavior when they first met.
"And just what is that supposed to mean?!" Bulma demanded.
"Nothing! You just…"
Chi-Chi sighed as she shut the door to their room and looked around. It was nice but nowhere near as upscale as the room they'd been staying in before.
Goku hopped on the bed with a smile. "Whadda we do now, Chi-Chi?"
That…was a good question. All their original plans had been ruined but maybe…
Chi-Chi picked up the room brochure, hoping she could still salvage something.
"Aha! Look here sweetheart, we may not have a private hot tub but we can still use the public ones on deck."
"You wanna bathe with strangers?" Goku asked her, scratching his head. He didn't mind but he hadn't expected Chi-Chi to suggest such a thing.
She smiled and slapped his leg. "No silly. We'll still be using our swimsuits. So what do you say? Wanna go try it out?"
"Sure!"
It wouldn't be as good as using one in their room, because then there was always a chance to kiss Chi-Chi and Chi-Chi wouldn't let him kiss her in public the way she would when they were alone, but it would still be fun to try.
They quickly got changed and Goku's eyes went wide as Chi-Chi stepped out of the bathroom in her swimsuit, wearing the skirt she purchased several days ago to cover up until they got to the pool. Her chest seemed so much bigger wearing the thin clothing—it made his fingers itch to touch her—and her legs, those strong calves and thighs peeking out from beneath the sheer skirt…Goku wanted to touch those too.
Chi-Chi was doing her own bit of ogling, as he stood there in just his swim shorts, admiring how thick his chest and sides looked as his body narrowed at his waist…she had seen him shirtless often the last few months but it was a sight she didn't think she would ever get enough of. And to think, if they hadn't been able to heal her eyes, she would be missing out on this dreamy hunk entirely.
She said a quick prayer of thanks—she had a feeling she'd be doing that a lot for the next few weeks—and tossed Goku a shirt to cover up until they reached the destination. When they were both ready, she grabbed her bag with their towels and room key and motioned for Goku to head out.
They walked side by side as they made their way towards their pool, but Goku soon started to slow down, unable to keep his gaze from drifting to Chi-Chi's chest to her legs to her chest again. Every inch of her was strong and soft and begging to be touched and—
He paused as he noted the low cut of Chi-Chi's swimsuit, which left her entire back exposed, and gulped.
"Goku?" Chi-Chi called, looking behind her to see why he had stopped walking. "Is everything okay?"
Goku rubbed the back of his neck, feeling his cheeks grow warm, and laughed loudly. "Ahahaha of course! Why wouldn't it be?"
He cut in front and took the lead, even though he had no idea where he was going, but if he stayed behind her any longer he was sure to do something that would make her angry.
"Goku, it's this way," Chi-Chi giggled, pulling him back from making the wrong turn.
Goku blushed, feeling his body grow warmer under her smiling gaze. He hoped the tub they were going to had a cool setting, otherwise he was sure he'd overheat.
Unfortunately for Goku, if he had felt warm before, he felt like he was back in the fire on Ember Island when they arrived at the pool and he saw Chi-Chi untie her skirt revealing her bare legs completely, and her round, plush, so very grabbable bu—
"C'mon!" Chi-Chi called, tying her hair up in a cute little bun, revealing her pale neck and making her chest move in a mesmerizing way.
Goku followed as if in a trance, not even flinching when his legs hit the cool water—that is, until Chi-Chi splashed him full on in the face.
"HEY!"
"Serves ya right for just standing there!" she giggled, sticking out her tongue. "Come play with me."
Oh he would play with her alright.
"You asked for it."
Chi-Chi felt a sliver of fear run through her, realizing—too late—that she'd made a mistake. "Wait a sec G—" but before she could even get the words out, Goku disappeared. She searched the waters but couldn't find him and a quick check of the sky was no good either.
"Goku?" She gulped, her gaze darting from side to side. "Gok—"
Chi-Chi screamed as Goku burst up behind her and dragged her down under the water. She twisted and kicked—she even threw a few elbows—but the man was like a giant slippery snake, wrapped tight around her. She squirmed as he tickled her sides, and Chi-Chi would have been mortified at how her body moved against his, if she could think about anything other than needing to breathe that is.
Thankfully Goku wasn't too cruel, and he released her before she could run out of air, laughing wildly as they broke the surface.
"Goku!" Chi-Chi whined, wiping the water from her face.
He chuckled a little longer and then slipped his arms around her, pulling her close, before nuzzling her shoulder and breathing in her scent.
"G-Goku?"
"Sorry Chi-Chi but ya did say ya wanted to play."
He had a point but he was way too close, and now that she wasn't distracted by her need to escape, she was reminded of their indecent attire and the public space. Chi-Chi pressed on his chest, intending to push him away, but the sight of his glistening muscles beneath her fingers left her feeling weak. Goodness, she was warm! She would have fanned herself off but she couldn't seem to pry her hands off him.
She gulped as she watched a bead of water make its way down between his pecs.
Goku smiled, breathing in deep as Chi-Chi's scent became sweeter in that way that always made his mouth water, and tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. He could sense she was affected too. He leaned in closer until their noses brushed.
"G-Goku?"
"Chi-Chi…" Goku whispered, using that serious, low tone he sometimes used. "Whaddya say we go back to the room?"
Chi-Chi wanted to ask, 'And do what?' but the words were stuck in her throat. Not that she really needed to ask. The way his hands were rubbing up and down her back gave her more than a little idea.
"There you two are!" Bulma griped, as she and Yamcha appeared wearing nothing but their swimsuits and sunglasses. "We were knocking at your door for over ten minutes!"
Chi-Chi quickly slipped away from Goku making Goku pout. He was sure he'd been close to getting Chi-Chi alone again.
"You should have told us you were going swimming," Bulma continued, oblivious to the mood she'd interrupted.
"Aren't you two on a couple's vacation?" Chi-Chi questioned. "We didn't want to interrupt."
Yamcha nodded and smiled a bit goofily at this, pleased that he was getting the chance to do something he'd always dreamed of doing with his girlfriend, but Bulma didn't seem to take the hint.
"Yamcha doesn't mind, do you?" She waited for him to shake his head no before continuing. "Besides, who knows when we'll get a chance to see Goku again? You shouldn't hog him all to yourself."
Goku very much wanted Chi-Chi to "hog" him but he was distracted by the thought of food. Bulma had rushed them that morning and he hadn't had a bite to eat yet.
"Chi-Chi I'm hungry."
"I bet," Chi-Chi smiled. "But we can't get food soaking wet like we are. Let's get out and dry off a little first, then we can get you something to eat."
"But we just got here!" Bulma huffed.
Yamcha laughed and slipped an arm around her shoulders. "C'mon babe, you know how it is. Keeping Goku from food for more than ten minutes is practically torture!"
He wasn't wrong but Bulma wasn't ready to admit it, so instead she frowned and dropped onto a free lounge chair while Chi-Chi and Goku spread out on the ones they reserved several feet away.
"Mmm," Chi-Chi sighed, enjoying the heat from the sun's rays. Having grown up in a fire hazard zone, she tended to enjoy the warmer temperatures and the sun mixed with the umbrella's shade was creating just the right amount.
Goku was enjoying the heat too. In fact, it was making him drowsy. After so little sleep, after such a long day, it wasn't really surprising. He decided to close his eyes for just a minute but it wasn't long before Chi-Chi and the people around him could hear his steady snores indicating he was asleep.
Chi-Chi smiled.
He always seemed so full of energy but she guessed even cute, muscular monkey boys got tuckered out now and then.
She pressed a kiss to his adorable cheek and closed her eyes, hoping to catch a few winks as well, while Bulma fumed in the background. But what else could she do? It just didn't make sense!
What did Chi-Chi have that she didn't?
She was way prettier than Chi-Chi. Smarter and richer too. She'd even known Goku longer! Yet it was Chi-Chi he was all over and yet she'd only known him for, like, a day!
It wasn't right.
If she couldn't enlighten Goku to the appeal of feminine beauty, then that country bumpkin shouldn't have been able to!
And it wasn't like she actually wanted him. The dummy was the most naive and clueless guy she'd ever met! There was no way he would treat a woman as fabulous as her the way she deserved to be treated. But if he was going to be attracted to anyone, it should have been her, not some upstart hick princess!
She tapped her fingers along her thigh as she considered what to do.
Maybe she was going about this all wrong. Goku was oblivious but Chi-Chi had practically thrown herself at him, even a guy as thick headed as Goku would feel something!
Maybe it was time she introduced little miss yokel to all she would be missing if she settled for the first man she'd met out of diapers.
Bulma swung her legs off the lounge chair and smiled when she caught several cute guys staring openly. They weren't as good looking as Yamcha or Goku but they'd certainly do for other women, particularly the one she had in mind…
Chi-Chi shivered, feeling as if something was blocking her sun, and opened her eyes to find Bulma smiling down at her.
She instantly went on alert.
"Chi-Chi!" Bulma greeted with an overly sweet voice. "Come get a drink with me! We can have girl talk. You don't know how horrible it's been being the only girl among all this testosterone!"
Only girl?
Chi-Chi frowned.
"What about Launch?"
"That hot head?" Bulma laughed. "She's got more testosterone than all the rest put together! C'mon, join me! It'll be fun!" She slipped her arm through Chi-Chi's and hoisted her to her feet, though not without a bit of a struggle. "Wow!" She wiped the sweat from her forehead. "You're really packing on the muscles!"
Chi-Chi raised a brow, daring her to say more, but Bulma really was smarter than she appeared because instead simply dragged her to the poolside bar.
"Yoohoo, bartender!" She called, shooting a wink to a grumpy looking man before turning back to Chi-Chi. "So! Now that it's just us girls, tell me…how far have you gotten with Goku?"
"Excuse me?!"
Chi-Chi was glad they hadn't gotten any drinks yet because she was pretty sure she would have spit hers all over. She had thought Bulma planned to issue more backhanded comments, not that she genuinely wanted to talk.
"Don't be shy!" Bulma giggled, slapping her hand. "After all, you came all the way to the Tournament to get him to marry you. I'm sure you've done something together by now. Though I can't imagine it's been very good. A guy like Goku only ever has one thing on his mind and it sure isn't girls!"
"I'm perfectly happy with Goku, thank you."
"Okay, okay. I can take a hint! Let's talk about something else. What about…" Bulma thought for a moment and then snapped her fingers. "How about past boyfriends?"
Chi-Chi eyed Bulma oddly.
"Goku's my first." Though the term boyfriend didn't seem quite right.
"What! You mean you've only been with one guy?"
"I thought I was going to marry Goku since I was twelve," she explained slowly, not sure why the other woman would think she'd been with anyone else. "Dating someone other than Goku would have made me unfaithful."
Bulma gasped.
"So you've never had a boyfriend?!"
"No!" Hadn't she been listening?
"But then why would you marry Goku before experiencing more of what life has to offer?! He could be vanilla and you're missing out on the chocolate and strawberries of the world!" Bulma cried, shaking her head. "As your friend I can't let you do that."
Chi-Chi made a face.
"Friend?"
"I admit we got off to a rough start," Bulma hedged, dismissing it with a wave. "But I only have your best interest at heart." She pointed at two men several seats down. "What do ya think about those cuties? I'm sure they'd be willing to buy us a drink."
"You mean from the bartender who still hasn't acknowledged us?" Chi-Chi scoffed, eyeing the men with apprehension. There was something about one of them…his eyes…they looked almost reptilian…
"That bartender should lose his job but never mind that. Go flirt with them! The blonde seems to like you!"
"Well I don't like him," she snapped.
Chi-Chi stood, having had enough. She had been willing to give her a chance, but five minutes with Bulma had confirmed that it wasn't worth her time. She didn't know what the other woman was playing at but she wasn't gonna stick around to find out.
"It's getting late, I'm gonna go wake Goku so he can eat."
"There's no reason to be rude!" Bulma huffed, seeing the men turn away from Chi-Chi's glare. "Flirting never hurt anyone! Besides, we still haven't even gotten our drinks."
But Chi-Chi wasn't interested in anything else she had to say. "I'm sure the buffet will have plenty to offer."
With that she walked off, intent on waking Goku, but every step she took seemed to feel heavier and heavier. As if some dark mass would swallow her wh—
A weight settled on her shoulder and Chi-Chi spun, sending the heel of her hand straight into Goku's stomach.
"Oof!"
"Goku!" Chi-Chi cried. "I'm so sorry! I thought you were…" She froze, noticing all the stares on them, and lowered her voice. "I thought you were trying to attack me."
"Didja feel something dark and heavy?" Goku asked, scanning the crowd.
She froze and tugged nervously at his waistband. "You mean you felt it too?" She looked over her shoulder, as if expecting something to jump out but everything looked peaceful as far as she could tell. "Do you think it's that guy Bai warned us about?"
"Dunno."
But whatever the case, they'd have to go through him first.
"C'mon," he smiled, hoping to put her at ease. "Let's get somethin' ta eat. I'm starving."
Chi-Chi took his offering for what it was and slipped her hand into his with a smile. "Well we can't have that. Let's see what this place has to offer."
"It can't be as good as your cookin' Chi-Chi."
"You flatterer!"
"It's true!"
Chi-Chi giggled and the two walked off in search of food, neither noticing the man watching them from the shadows.
…
"Man!" Yamcha grinned as sweat dripped down his forehead. Goku had just returned from his fifth trip to the buffet, ladened with plates and plates of food. "You sure never slow down. It was impressive when you were a kid but now it's just scary!"
"Un gughs gunna iit!"
"Goku!" Chi-Chi chided. "Swallow first."
Goku did as commanded, smiling wide when his mouth was finally empty. "Oops, sorry!"
So he said but Chi-Chi got the impression that was one thing he would never learn. She shook her head, rolling her eyes with a smile, and then turned to Yamcha. "So Bulma didn't feel like joining us?"
"I'm sure she would have but she made a big deal about needing hours to prepare for tonight."
"Oh?" Chi-Chi and Goku exchanged curious looks. "What's happening tonight?"
"They got a hot new singer to hold a special performance. Maybe you've heard of her? Miguel Angel?"
"Sorry, no."
Yamcha shrugged. "Well in any case, they're holding the show up on the top deck because people are so eager to see her, that way more people can watch. It's supposed to be a fancy affair."
"Not black tie?" Chi-Chi hoped. Bha-bi had given them some nice things but nothing that upscale.
"No, this place is pricey but it's still catered to cruise goers. You'll be fine with a nice dress if you have one. Though Goku might have to borrow some clothes…"
"Don't worry about him," Chi-Chi smiled, knowing just the thing. In fact…
"Goku, can you stand for a moment please."
"Huh?" Goku looked at his pile of food. "Do I have to stop eating?"
"Not as long as you can do so standing up straight."
"Sure thing Chi."
He grabbed a bowl of noodles and busied himself with slurping them up while Chi-Chi did a rough measurement of his body. Her touch was quick and light, making him giggle to the point he almost choked on his food.
"Sorry!"
She blushed and handed him a glass of water as he pounded his chest. When she was sure he would be okay, she added, "I'm gonna head back to our room, I think I have something that will work but I need to make a few adjustments."
She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, making him smile, before saying farewell to both men and walking away.
Goku paused mid bite to watch her go but frowned when he noticed Yamcha doing the same. He raised his brow questioningly, making the other man blush.
"Sorry. I was just wishing that Bulma was even half as nice as Chi-Chi. You got really lucky there, pal."
Goku couldn't argue with that. These past few months with Chi-Chi were the best he'd ever had. "Chi-Chi's the best! But Bulma's not so bad."
Even if she had been acting odd lately.
"Yeah you're right. She's got a temper but she can be sweet when she wants to. Plus she's hot!" Yamcha grinned before eyeing Goku slyly. "Speaking of hot. Tell me, have you and Chi-Chi done it yet? Is she as feisty as she was in the ring?"
"It?"
"Yeah!" Yamcha nodded. "How far have you two gone?"
How far?
Goku put a hand to his mouth as he thought. "Well we went really far north to start and climbed the tallest mountain, and then we went to the bottom of the ocean and now we're here!"
"I meant what have you done with Chi-Chi?" Yamcha laughed. "Have you kissed her?"
Huh? Yamcha wanted to know about that.
"Yeah, of course. Ain't that what couples do?"
"Well sure but some couples like to wait for marriage first."
Goku was glad he didn't have to wait until they were married. It was bad enough having to stop when she told him to. He didn't wanna go back to the time when he was afraid to touch her. He was sure he would have exploded by now.
"Have you touched her b—"
"Oh man, oh man! I fucked up! I fucked up big time! Where is it?! Where is it?! That's three months of winnings! Shit!"
Huh? Goku and Yamcha watched as a tall muscular guy with bushy brown hair crawled under the tables one by one, clearly searching for something, but it wasn't until he tried to crawl under their table that he realized anyone was paying attention to him.
"Oh! Hello." He rubbed the back of his neck. "You fellas wouldn't mind letting me check under your table a quick sec wouldja? I lost something important that I need to find."
"Go right ahead," Yamcha told him.
"Thanks buddy!"
They watched as the man lifted the tablecloth and peeked under, only to hear a loud yelp followed by a solid thud that rattled Goku's stack of empty dishes. He then scrambled out from under the table, falling onto his butt, but if he was embarrassed he didn't show it, instead he smiled wide, flashing all his teeth, as he held up a little black box.
"I found it! I found it!"
He jumped to his feet, looking energized, but then just as quickly slumped into Chi-Chi's vacant chair, burying his face in his hands. "Oh man. You guys don't know how close I was to havin' a meltdown! Maybe this is some sort of sign? What would an angel like her want with a meathead like me anyways? Aside from my rugged good looks?"
Both Yamcha and Goku traded confused looks.
"Of course, I might not be much now but just give me a few years! I'll have everyone knowing my name!"
"What is your name?" Goku asked, still with no clue as to who this guy was.
"Huh?! Oh yeah! The name's 'Mr. Satan!'" he shouted, jumping to his feet and striking a pose. "Pleased to meet ya."
Yamcha stared incredulously. "That's your real name? It sure is unusual."
"That's what makes it great!" Mr. Satan argued. "You don't wanna use just any ol' name and sound like a chump. 'Mr. Satan' strikes fear into the people's hearts. Makes 'em sit up and pay attention!"
Yamcha smiled as sweat beaded down his forehead. This guy sure was a character. "But that's not what your friends call you, right?"
"Friends?" Mr. Satan paled. "Oh yeah, sure! I got tons of friends. So many you wouldn't believe!" He exclaimed, puffing his chest out before deflating. "But, uh, yeah. I guess you got me there. You can call me Mark."
Yamcha extended his hand for a shake and introduced himself and Goku.
"Wait a sec! I've heard those names before," Mark exclaimed. He pointed at them in shock. "You two didn't happen to compete in the Tenkaichi Boudakai, didja?"
"Sure did," Goku grinned, feeling smug.
Yamcha put an arm around his friend and shook him lightly. "You're looking at the reigning champ."
"This guy?" Mark demanded.
He looked Goku up and down but he didn't think he looked that strong. The reports must have exaggerated.
Mark stood and pounded his chest. "Punch me!"
"Uh…okay," Goku shrugged, getting to his feet and making a fist.
He didn't think it was a good idea but if the guy wanted to be punched then he would do so.
"As hard as ya can, don't hold back now y'hear?!"
"Okaaaay. Here I go!"
"Wait a sec Goku!" Yamcha jumped up and pulled him aside. "You're likely to kill him if you punch him at full force! Either that or blow a hole through the ship. Chi-Chi wouldn't like that." To himself he added, "Bulma certainly wouldn't either."
"HEY! I ain't no wimp! Go ahead and give it to me good! I can take it!"
Goku flashed his friend a mischievous grin that Yamcha knew meant trouble, but before he could even try and stop him, Goku's fist flew.
"Wait! Do—"
Goku's fist slammed to a stop a mere inch from Mark's stomach making the other man drop his stance in surprise.
"Hey buddy! What's the big id—"
From an inch away Goku struck, sending Mark crashing through multiple tables and debris flying in all directions. One particular piece flew right at Goku and he plucked it out of the air, to keep it from getting lost again, though he didn't understand why it was so important.
Noticing a crack, he opened the little black box up to reveal a very shiny ring.
More than a little curious himself, Yamcha peeked over Goku's shoulder but immediately began panicking upon spotting the diamond ring. "Careful there Goku! That's an engagement ring! No wonder he was searching so hard earlier."
"Engagement ring?"
"Oh right, I guess you wouldn't have much experience with this would you?" Yamcha smiled. "When a man wants to get married, he usually presents the woman he proposes to with a ring like this one, which she'll then wear if she accepts."
Goku frowned. "Won't it get in the way? What if she's gotta fight someone?"
"Most people aren't obsessed with fighting like you," his friend laughed, patting him on the shoulder as Mark made his way back to them, clutching his belly.
"Oh man! I guess that's why you're the champ. I've got my work cut out for me," he groaned.
Goku handed him back the box. "You gonna propose?"
"That's the plan. Although just thinkin' about it is makin' me sick…although that could be from the punch…" Mark muttered.
Goku didn't understand. "Why would thinkin' about it make ya sick?"
"She's the love of my life! Just thinking that she might say no makes me wanna…ugh," he clamped his hands over his mouth as his cheeks ballooned outward but Goku still didn't understand.
"Chi-Chi's turned me down twice but we're still gettin' married."
"Congrats man!" Yamcha grinned, slapping his back. "I figured she must have said yes since you're still traveling together."
"She never said—"
"Your lady turned you down but you're still getting hitched?" Mark cut in, gripping Goku's shirt. "Ya gotta tell me your secret!"
"S-Secret?!" Goku stammered. There was no secret. He just…just…wait a sec…
Chi-Chi never agreed?! Does that mean they weren't getting married?!
His thoughts must have been visible on his face because Mark quickly let go and patted his shoulder.
"So you striked out, huh?"
"No!"
Chi-Chi hadn't said yes but she wouldn't kiss him or let him touch her boobies if she was gonna say no a third time. The thought of touching Chi-Chi reminded him of her soft form pressed against his at the pool. How he had wanted to scoop her up and carry her back to their room and barricade the door and…
Goku shook his head, needing to focus.
"I didn't know what to do the first time. I know now."
"Yeah!" Mark cheered, pumping his fist. "That's the spirit brother!" He wrapped an arm around Goku's shoulder. "You and me! We're gonna marry the women we love even if it's the last thing we do! Watch out ladies! Here we come!"
"Yeah!" Goku chorused, pumping his own fists. He was gonna marry Chi-Chi, the woman he lov—
Oh.
Goku's eyes went wide as his brain finally caught up with what he'd been thinking.
Love? Is that what he felt for Chi-Chi?
He knew she was important to him. That she made him happier than he'd ever felt…but was that love?
He tried to think back to what he knew on the subject. How had Chi-Chi described it again?
Oh right.
The best and worst feeling in the world.
Goku laughed, recalling everything he'd felt with Chi-Chi. All the good times and the bad, but always only ever with her.
How had he not realized it sooner?
He loved Chi-Chi.