Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Early Morning of a Life Together ❯ Wedding Day ( Chapter 25 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z. Akira Toriyama does, and I make no money writing this fanfiction.

A/N: Thank you so much for your support on this fanfiction. My apologies to my readers if this seems rushed. I'm commited to a great many stories now and I wanted to give you an ending to this rather then no ending. If anyone feels compelled to pick up where this story left off and write your own sequel please feel free. One of the writers I admire, the author of Lab Monkey did this. Rather then have no ending to her story, she chose to end it. While the ending didn't satisfy some, she felt it better then to cheat her readers of a resolution. So I guess this is the philosophy I'm adopting. When my current dearth of commitments slows down then maybe I can consider something else. Yet I want you to not be cheated of an ending to a story you've faithfully watched.

 

Ja ne!

***

 

A month sped by in what seemed the blink of an eye. Events transpired that were as far reaching as the distant shores of Kame House where Krillin's family resided. On one such sunny day, the postal boat chugged close to the sandy beach and pulled to a halt. Beside the mailbox stood an old man with a heavy shell slung over his shoulders. He leaned on the wooden stick and regarded the mail carrier who hauled a large bag from his boat.

 

“Took you long enough!” Master Roshi complained.

 

“Sorry sir. I didn't realize you had so many magazines you subscribed to!” the man huffed, empting a stack of heavy magazines onto the beach. Eagerly Master Roshi grasped them up with the stack of envelopes that also poured out. From out of nowhere appeared a dark haired shot man, who helped to pick up the spilled mail. Master Roshi opened one magazine on the top of his stack, and a thin trickle of blood crept out of one nostril.

 

“Thank you Mr. Krillin!” The mail carrier panted.

 

“Don't worry about it. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner,” Krillin apologized, accepting the stack of letters the mail carrier handed him gratefully.

 

“Have a good day!” the mail carrier said as he climbed back into his boat. Turning to the nose-bleeding master, Krillin shook his head.

 

“Honestly, Master Roshi! You never change!” he sighed.

 

“Krillin!” shouted 18 from the front porch of the pink house. “Are you going to bring the mail or not?”

 

“Coming sweetie!” Krillin gulped. He rocketed up the beach and stopped beside the beach chair where his wife lay sunning herself.

 

“Daddy!” Marron giggled, rushing towards him.

 

Krillin placed the stack of letters into his wife's arms. He then bent over to scoop up their daughter and swing her around playfully. 18 smiled, lifting her sunglasses as she watched her daughter and husband laughing together. She then turned her attention to leafing through the pile of envelopes resting on her bare legs. Only wearing a polka dot bikini, she had developed a rather nice tan in the tropical sun.

 

“Bills, bills… let's see,” she muttered, and then stopped when her fingers brushed against fine paper. A smell of perfume and the gleam of a gold embossed address label caught her eye and she hastily slipped her finger into the envelope to rip it open. However, she read the label printed neatly by hand.

 

“To Mr. and Mrs. Krillin,” she chuckled.

 

“What is it honey?” Krillin asked, still carrying Marron on his shoulders. He sat down on the edge of the chair and 18 tore open the envelope. Marron slid down her father's khaki pant clad legs and then ran back to her toys scattered under the shady palm trees.

 

“An invitation,” 18 murmured, removing a card from the envelope. Roses and other flowers were stamped into its surface and the front was printed in gold lettering.

 

“What to?”

 

“Your gracious presence is requested at the impending nuptials of Mr. and Mrs. Gohan Son,” she read aloud.

 

“Kami, are you serious?” blinked Krillin, leaning closer.

 

“That's what the card says, dear. Looks like we have a wedding to attend. And I have just the dress for it too,” 18 commented.

 

“Gohan and Videl? Wow, that's… a surprise. I mean it's not a surprise but they're still so young!” Krillin laughed with shock.

 

“It says that it's at Satan's new hotel. And you know that he treats his guests like royalty,” said 18. “We are going right?”

 

“Of course we are!” Krillin stammered. “It's just that… Gohan's only 18!”

 

“And you say that is a bad number?” 18 sniffed.

 

“No honey it's just… well… I thought he'd go off to college first?” Krillin blinked. “Kami, imagine little Gohan getting hitched. Seems only yesterday he was fighting alongside me on Namek!”

***
While 18 and Krillin had received their invitation, other Z fighters and friends across Chikyuu all opened similar envelopes. Deep in the desert inside a hollowed mesa, a silver letter opener slid under the surface of the flap and neatly opened the seal.

Yamcha read through the address and chuckled. “Well I'll be. Gohan getting married.”
“What was that dear?” chirped a voice on the soft next to him.

“You know Son Gohan? Goku's kid? He's getting married!” Yamcha grinned, brandishing the invitation in front of his girlfriend.

“Oh how lovely! A wedding! When is it?” Marron squealed in excitement as she jumped up and down.

“Whoa, it says a month from now,” Yamcha blinked rechecking the address. His girlfriend leaned close so her blue hair brushed his ear deliciously. Arm wrapped around her waist Yamcha passed her the invitation.

“I can't wait to show off that new dress you bought me for our anniversary! Please say we're going Yami dear!” Marron pleaded.
“Well what do you think sweetheart! I wouldn't pass this up for the world!” Yamcha grinned, leaning over to kiss her. The card dropped to the table nearby as the two lovers were caught up in a kiss.
***
Another month passed by, finding the senders of the invitations bustling about in the various rooms of the Satan and Z warriors Victory Hotel. Newly constructed after the fall of the other, it was far more modest but still filled with the best that money could buy. On the beaches of South island, its tall spires gleamed in the sun, a sight of wonder for the many cars pulling up towards it.

Already patrons had filed in, anxiously awaiting the wedding to start. Within a large ballroom chairs were set up and the guests were ferried to their seats. Excitedly Marron tugged her boyfriend Yamcha by the hand, Puar sitting on his shoulder as always. They sat down with their hands clasped and peered around at the other guests milling about.

“Well I'll be… I didn't expect you here,” Yamcha beamed up at two people filing in to sit in the row next to them.

“Hey! Yamcha! Long time no see!” Krillin said.

“Oh my goodness what a coincidence,” blushed the blue haired girl with the silver gown that flowed around her ankles. Thin straps showed her shoulders and the v plunged modestly to show her other assets.

“Um uh… hi…” Krillin blinked at the blast from his past.

“I guess you two already know each other,” Yamcha mumbled awkwardly.

“That's an understatement,” Krillin mumbled, hesitant to sit down even though Yamcha blocked his view of the giggling Marron.

“Honey, aren't you going to sit down? People are going to stare,” 18 nudged him. Yamcha's eyes widened at the sight of Krillin's wife sporting a red dress trimmed in lace. It was slit up the side, with the bodice revealing enough of her own assets without coming dangerously close to having them fall out. Instead the lace panel was V shaped; only showing a hint of her décolleté.

“Wow… nice to um…see you again 18,” Yamcha murmured as he took her hand and kissed it.

“Likewise, I'm sure,” she said, giving a smug look at Yamcha's date. Her eyes were wide and round as she stared enviously at the other woman.

“Um Marron this is my wife 18,” Krillin said proudly.

“Nice to meet you,” Marron said extending a hand to 18.

“Indeed. I'm sure we'll get to know each other quite well,” 18 said with a knowing smile. She sat down on Krillin's other side and both men glanced worriedly at each other.

“Oh man,” Yamcha mumbled.

“You said it,” Krillin chuckled. “No offense, but the look on her face is worth the awkwardness.”

“Go easy on her pal, she just was dumped by her fiancée,” Yamcha whispered.

“I'm not the one who's worried, but hey, no hard feelings,” Krillin grinned, shaking his hand. He saw the diamond ring glistening on Marron's finger as she took Yamcha's hand in hers.

Master Roshi sat down next to Oolong and both of them drooled at the two women sitting beside Krillin and Yamcha. Marron toddled over to her mother and 18 bent down to pull her onto her lap. Soon the four of them were chatting quietly like old friends. Any tension melted away as more people filed in. Spotting them, Tien and Lunch filed into the row behind them and sat down next. Other familiar faces bustled about and took their chairs eagerly.

“Krillin, HEY!” Goku laughed as he leaned over the row of chairs. Krillin and Yamcha blinked at the sight of Goku in a black tuxedo, with all buttons accounted for and a smile on his young face.

“Goku, tell me this is really happening! Your boy's getting married?” Krillin laughed, standing up to shake his friend's hand. Laughing, Goku pulled him into a strong hug.

“Goku, this is great!” Yamcha smiled. Goku set Krillin down and pulled the Desert Bandit into a crushing embrace as well.

“I know! We're all here… and it's great! Just like old times!”

“Bah, nonsense,” mumbled a voice from not far away. “Idiotic sentimental waste of my time!”

“I guess Vegeta's here too, huh,” Krillin leaned and gave a knowing chuckle.

“Man oh man,” Yamcha shook his head and laughed. For once he didn't envy Bulma in her choice of mate. Yet he knew that Vegeta could handle her, and she him. Bulma needed a strong man with her who could put up with her, and she with him.

“Hey Vegeta, over here!” Goku waved.

“You're joking if I'm going to be seated in the same section as you losers,” Vegeta answered, standing in the aisle with his back facing them. Annoyed Bulma rushed over, frustrated and flustered as she pulled at his arm.

“Vegeta, will you calm down!” she hissed in his ear. Seeing her friends she stared around her husband and then squealed with joy.

“Bulma!” they laughed waving towards her. 18 and Marron both stood up so their men could get past and exchange hugs with the dazzling heiress in blue.

“Wow you look GREAT!” Yamcha laughed, hugging her. She kissed him on the cheek and then bent down to smooch Krillin's cheek as well.

“I'm so glad you got here! Krillin, why on EARTH didn't you come to the rehearsal!” Bulma scolded him.

“I don't know Bulma. Gohan asking me to be his best man… I mean he's all grown up… I'm sure he's got some other friend that would…”

“Don't be silly!” Goku said, slugging him on the back. “Please say you will!”

“Well I dunno… all those people and such…” he glanced at 18. “You didn't exactly let me know in time.”

“Oops, sorry,” Goku blushed as Bulma sighed.

“Goku, you know how much it means to Gohan! Why didn't you send those invitations out when Chichi told you?” Bulma turned to Goku and scolded loudly.

“I thought that the brat had that weakling Sharpener in mind,” Vegeta interrupted, only turning around halfway to watch the spectacle of Goku getting his head pummeled by Bulma's purse.

“He'll do it,” 18 interrupted, looking up at Bulma meaningfully.

“Um… well… if it's for Gohan. But Goku Buddy you really need to learn to learn how to keep in touch?” Krillin glared at Goku.

“Sorry… I really am!” Goku winced. “Oww Bulma you almost hit as hard as Chichi!”

“Show him the way, Son Goku. I hope you don't mind 18… I did intend for you to be a bridesmaid but I didn't hear back…”

“Not a problem,” 18 smiled smoothly, rising from her chair. The bustling of more guests covered whatever remarks were further exchanged.

***************************************************************** *****

At long last Krillin was briefed on his role. He was practically dragged by an excited and mollified Goku towards a suite of rooms, and then the change began. Amazed he put on a luxurious tuxedo that seemed made just for him.

“Goku I'm serious. You hardly let us know you're alive sometimes!” Krillin scolded as he worked to try and fasten his tie.

“Actually it was a surprise for Gohan. We wanted to make it extra special,” Goku whispered, with a wink.

“Son Goku are you serious?” the former monk gasped.

“I am,” Goku grinned. Krillin shook his head, laughing at his friend's subterfuge. Goku was no idiot though he often played the part well. Piccolo grunted nearby, his own tuxedo appearing in a crackle of energy and fitting him flawlessly.

Sharpener straightened his own tie and moved over to where Goku and Krillin stood before the mirror. He extended his hand saying, “No hard feelings.”

The former monk rubbed his hair, as if his head was still bald. He mumbled, “Um, well you're sure about this?”

“I am. You've known Son for longer than I have anyway,” Sharpener smiled graciously. “Besides the look on his face when he sees you will be worth it.”

Like a strutting peacock, Hercule moved around the other inhabitants of the room, shouting directions and pushing glasses of champagne into their hands. Krillin shook his head, realizing some things never changed. Spotting Krillin he exclaimed,” All right! Glad to see you buddy! Hope you know your lines!”

“I think so, I mean I WAS married myself you know,” Krillin spluttered indignantly.

Satan slapped him on the back, and shook his hand tightly. However, the grip was far from impressive and Krillin pretended it hurt.

“Don't you worry. My Videl won't mind at all! And your lovely wife is going to be in the bridesmaids,” Satan laughed.

“I hope so, for all our sakes,” Krillin weakly muttered, looking up at Goku's beaming face.

Then his eyes diverted to a nervous young man wearing a white version of their finery. The glasses were perched precariously on his nose but the spiky hair was unmistakable. Krillin excused himself and shouted, “Gohan!”

At the sound of the familiar voice, Gohan blinked and rushed over. Eyes wide behind his glasses he cried, “Krillin… is that you?”

“As I live and breathe! Look at you! Getting married you lucky dog!” Krillin beamed. He wrapped his arms around his old friend, and both laughed with joy.

“How… why… I didn't think you'd make it!”

“Surprise!” Goku laughed, clapping his hands.

“Dad… you knew he was coming and you let me think that…” Gohan groaned, releasing Krillin and glaring at his happy father.

“You can't blame him,” Hercule laughed deeply. “That look on your face was priceless!”

“So you will… really be my best man?” Gohan excited asked. His hands trembled while his pale skin blanched whiter. Krillin saw the nervous sweat beading on the boy's face and winced in sympathy.

“Relax Gohan,” he said, leaning close. “I'm here for you buddy. It'll be over before you know it. Then the fun REALLY starts…”

“This is just so great,” Gohan smiled, lifting his glasses to wipe them on his sleeve.

“What are we waiting for?” Satan boomed. “Let's get you married to my little princess!”

*********************
Within another hour Krillin stood at the side of his old friend and fellow Z warrior before the `go between' that Hercule had hired. Goku stood off to one side, while Krillin stepped up next to the trembling Gohan. Periodically the young man wrung his hands and tugged at his collar with one finger.

“Relax man, it's all right,” Krillin elbowed him.

Gohan nodded and swallowed hard. Hundreds of eyes focused up on him standing on the raised platform. Cameras whirred and clicked despite the glaring green Namek that stood facing them. Surely enough there would be a series of explosions shattering them if they became too obnoxious. For Gohan's sake he refrained from carrying out his desire.

Chichi in her plum colored gown looked on from the front row. Her eyes filled with tears and she blew heavily into the handkerchief she pulled from her purse. Next to her Bulma patted her on the back, and Vegeta scoffed and turned away from the sentiment the two women shared. He did gaze up appreciatively at Gohan and nodded with a grunt.

“I'm sure glad I'm not up there looking like I'm going to wet myself,” Trunks said.

“Quiet Trunks, I'll hear none of that this day. That brat of Kakkarot is suffering enough as it is,” Vegeta grunted. Trunks snapped his mouth shut and focused more on Goten wearing a small tuxedo, and standing next to his sobbing mother whit his hair slicked into his face.

Goten pouted, bored and cranky. At least he was spared the embarrassment of marching next to a girl throwing rose petals. Gohan had insisted he not be forced to that public of a role. After all, chichi derived great comfort from having her younger son still at her side. Trunks peered around Vegeta and waved to his friend who brightened up.

Then a collective gasp filled the hall and cloth whispered as people all stood up. Through a forest of legs Goten and Trunks climbed up on their chairs to get a better view. A row of women dressed in shrimp pink gowns all marched up one by one, only to climb the stairs and stand to one side opposite Gohan. 18 proudly followed the blonde girl Erasa, smirking as she walked past the row where Marron jealously glared at her. The tones of a small string section played an elaborate classical piece that filled the silence well. Then Goten pointed and waved at the figure in white following the line of bridesmaids.

Erasa stood opposite where Krillin flanked Gohan, and pointed eagerly. Gohan's throat twisted into a hard knot when he saw the bride striding down the aisle towards him. His mother's dress had never looked so lovely except in the wedding photos he saw in his parent's album so many years ago. The diaphanous veil drifted around her dark haired head and flowed behind her like a waterfall. All reality narrowed down to that one moment and he felt his heart skip a beat.

Then he felt her standing next to him, only looking at him through the corner of her eye. Gohan sighed deeply, strengthened by Krillin's steady presence. Erasa took the bouquet from Videl's gloved hand, and Gohan shakily spun around to face his bride. With trembling fingers he lifted the sheer veil, and saw the gleam in those blue eyes losing themselves in his. She reached up and pulled the glasses from his face with a knowing smile. Her hand squeezed his through the silk of her glove and they turned together to face the minister.

"No matter what happens Gohan, I love you," Videl whispered. Gohan leaned close to her for a moment, his lips tickling her ears with his reply.

"And I love you, Videl, and our daughter," Gohan whispered. Videl's eyes widened and she felt the oncoming blur of tears. Naturally he already knew, but had in all the excitement she never thought he'd chance noting in before everyone else, whisper or not. The tight squeeze of his hand in hers told her all she needed to know. That he would stand by her no matter what, and she was no longer alone.

With their friends and family looking on, Son Gohan and Videl Satan recited the words that they had spoken long ago in the kitchen. Sights and sounds all blurred into a steady dull roar over which the words of the minister soared. Unsteady voices softly murmured, “I do', stopping the passage of time to a crawl. Eternity passed till Gohan saw her smile, and knew that it was really he standing here, with his mom sobbing loudly and his father looking on with a proud smile.

All he could taste were her lips that he claimed when the minister proclaimed them “Mr. and Mrs. Son Gohan.” Videl melted in his arms and he clasped her up to his body. His hands locked onto her, holding her as if he never wanted to let her go. Loud whoops and cheers echoed with dramatic sobs from Hercule Satan and Chichi alike from opposite sides of the room. Down those steps they were not two people but one, hand in hand. Though for the moment all Gohan wanted was to kiss her senseless in his joy. Videl wanted nothing less than to stay there forever.