Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Step-parent Saiyan Blues ❯ Another Reason Why ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer: Toriyama created DBZ, and Toei Animation Co and Funimation own it. I only own Fermi, Bohr and Stellari, my fan characters. This is for entertainment only and I make no money writing this. I mean no offense to those traditions that people chose for various wedding ceremonies. The ones I represent in this story are what I see the characters as choosing for this fanfiction.

A Reason Why

Those first steps outside caused Stellari to trip over her own feet. She landed on her side, bracing herself with one hand. Raditz instantly hovered over her so he could check and see if she was all right. More stunned then anything else she blinked up at her mate reaching down with both huge hands to pull her upward against his leg.

 

"Crap, you think I'd know better," said Stellari.

 

"Are you okay, oh my Kami!" Bulma yelped, clutching her cellphone in her hand.

 

"I'm… fine. Just my pride that's all," Stellari grunted. Raditz let Stellari lean against him and she realized that she had been walking as if still in Vegetasei normal.

 

"What the hell did you do to the floor?" Bulma swallowed, seeing the small indents.

 

"That was me," Stellari admitted. "I don't think training me in 10 gees was such a good idea after all Raditz."

 

"Nonsense, of course it was a good idea! You have to be able to face any menace to defend our pups after all! If something should happen… a Saiyan's woman always knows how to fight to protect her offspring…" Raditz interrupted.

 

"Um, guys, excuse me, it looks like you've got a bigger problem," said Bulma, pointing to the floor.

"I'll pay for it," Stellari said.

 

"I don't mean that. I can afford it. But Stellari you're going to end up like Goku if you don't watch it!"

"Now I know why," she mumbled, blushing. She and Raditz both wore suits of armor; he towered over them in the menacing brown and black of his original design while Stellari sported his blue and brown spare suit, except her tights stretched all the way over her legs and halfway down her arms.

 

"That's why I had you wear the armor before we emerged, love," Raditz explained. "I took a cue from Kakkarot. He always wears those training clothes to suppress his power level, I figured why not."

 

Leaning over Raditz grabbed something out of his boot and them wrapped two weighted bands around the base of her ankles of her blue boots. On her they came right to the knee, and the wristguards to her elbows. One-size fits all didn't always mean it would fit a female QUITE like it would a male.

 

"This way Mr. Raditz, Dr. Stellari," one of the hovering bots indicated.

 

"Better go with them. I'll see you two soon. I've got to check in on Trunks, and your boys are still at school before going to karate school at Yamcha's dojo," said Bulma.

 

"I'm going to have to withdraw them," Raditz said menacingly. Stellari saw the killer gleam in his eyes. Angrily he tugged Stellari by her gauntlet covered wrist towards the door. ver since he pledged to her it was a done deal. Again she tumbled down memory's slope to think of the time of her wedding once more.

 

Once the limousine had arrived at Our Lady of West City, the females slowly emerged. The door opened to allow each bridesmaid to exit, then slowly make their way into the parish hall. While it seemed weird for the preparations to be made elsewhere, Chichi had advised it was easier because of the unusual nature of their guests.

 

Someplace close to the parking lot the transport with the male contingent exited from the Capsule hovercar Bulma had loaned them for the event. Goku stepped out first, then followed by his son Gohan. Piccolo reluctantly exited next, then stood back for Raditz to climb out and reach his arms out for both Fermi and Bohr to swing them down to the curb so they wouldn't ruin their outfits. By now Gohan's hair wasn't its nerdish slicked down do, it had become a more relaxed bowl cut that Chichi had given him in lieu of a long loose ponytail.

 

Another limousine landed in the lot, and Gohan swallowed hard to see Nappa himself emerging first in a fine black tuxedo. Next came Vegeta, glancing back and forth, wearing a tuxedo of his own cut in black satin with white Chinese style collar instead of a shirt requiring a tie. Somehow it gave him a more regal look then the bow ties the other males had to sport. Nappa's tail was wrapped just above his cummerbund.

 

"Did they have to come?" Gohan said resentfully.

 

"I'm sorry but they were invited because Vegeta is the Prince, Gohan," said Raditz quietly. "They'll only be in the audience."

 

Trunks was next to exit, carrying his younger alternate self and a diaper bag over his arm. Fermi and Bohr poked each other and chuckled at the miniature suit that the baby had to wear and realized they had it easy. At least their mother didn't insist on any grease smeared here and there. Other employees of Capsule who attended were exiting their vehicles and walking towards the church themselves. Raditz recognized Technician Infra, Dr. Melmac, and other members of Stellari's research team filing into the church shortly after Vegeta gave them a death glare that Royalty preceded them.

 

"I'm surprised he didn't wear armor," Goku said softly.

 

"He wouldn't lower himself to do so for the wedding ceremony of a third Class. Since this is an Earth tradition t here's even less need for him to do so," Raditz explained, looking a bit morose.

 

"This is Earth, that shouldn't matter. Besides, Chichi's a Princess. That makes HER royalty," Goku rolled his eyes. "I mean she's the Ox Princess."

 

"That's one thing that his Majesty has become aware of," said Raditz quietly.

 

"Let's stop talking and get on with this, we've got training we're missing," Piccolo grunted. He led the way, followed by Gohan. Photographers raised their cameras, but Raditz held up his hand to say no pictures of the Namek. He grunted his thanks to Raditz gratefully.

 

Goku scanned the crowd for his friends, but felt a lump in his throat that not even Krillen or Master Roshi had shown up. Perhaps it was the fact they resented him for welcoming Raditz into his family with welcome arms. In a sense they were his only family since Grandpa Gohan died.

 

Just then Chichi waved to Goku, and he felt a measure of relief. Even though she could be a shrew and a pain in the butt, he would be lost without her. Fortunately she was in cheerful behavior today, her usually severe hairstyle softened by flowers woven into it, and her makeup done perfectly. Fermi and Bohr stood close to Goku, knowing their role would come soon enough.

 

A white sheet was held around someone else getting out of the limo, and Raditz craned his neck. Chichi swatted his arm and whispered, "No peeking! It's bad luck to see a bride before the wedding ceremony in her gown!"

 

"Odd custom but I'll abide by it," Raditz grumbled. Goku had helped him to secure his hair back, and the sizable mane was at least partially bound in a series of three or four leather cords worked with bits of red metal the same as his armband and legband. It coordinated well with the rest of his ensemble. He had said in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't subject his Saiyan hair to anything that would force it to be human, so this was the compromise.

 

"It's time you guys," Chichi whispered, taking Goku's arm and leading the way. Fermi and Bohr trotted beside Raditz till they entered partway, then Chichi motioned to the boys to come with her. They high fived a nervous stepfather, and then took her hands to take their position in the ceremony.

 

"Just like the rehearsal, okay?" Goku reassured his brother. As Best man, he led his brother down the aisle to stand at the brass railing separating the altar from the nave of the church. Raditz knew the statue they walked beside with open arms and a graphic representation of a human heart crowned with thorns. Small candles could be placed in racks to be lit for 'prayers' to the Heart. On the side aisles of the pews were small icons showing the Christian Legendary carrying what Stellari had said was 'the Cross' down a path of suffering. That Raditz could relate to in his own initiation as a warrior. Through stained glass other male and female images looked down with light beaming through them. Stellari called them "Saints" which he understood to be deceased humans chosen to act as guides and examples to those living for spiritual aid and help. Separate from 'Angels' that Stellari said were never human but were above Humans in the order of what she called 'Creation'. Although there was the winged form of the Avenger St. Michael, who held a sharp sword and was a warrior of great power. Raditz liked the images surrounding his window to the upper left. Another window showed a man with a set of keys and other finery standing before a massive gate. The Legendary's designated 'Rock' man, one of which who'd taken up the movement of Christianity. Two called James and John were in other windows he saw, near a woman carrying an alabaster jar. Another woman named Mary, a close friend of the Legendary he was told.

 

There were so many others that he didn't know the lives of. But the four strange animals that represented four people who had written the Legendary's testament to the world, and the man who had written many letters named Paul who came after them were also held in high regard. Some called Christians would think that the Christianity called Catholicism was not legitimate because of all the imagery. But it was something he could relate to from his own culture where symbols and stories were paramount.

 

Lost in the stained glass, Raditz finally reached the place designated by the priest in his fine robes. He cast Raditz a small understanding smile and a nod. Raditz had met the man shortly after claiming Stellari and there was a long uncomfortable talk that changed into something that spelled out the terms of what she expected from him taking on his role as 'mate'. But he could come to his own understanding in his own time when he felt ready; there was no force or pressure except self revelation and guidance from his love. He wondered if he'd ever be expected to lean over the small fountain in an alcove of the church and have the priest dump water on his brow to symbolically wash away the stains of his past that were already paid for in the one she called Christ's blood. All these things pulled at him and he fidgeted before folding his hands and looking at his brother who sensed his quandary.

 

"I'm not sure of what all it means myself. I'm here for you guys," Goku whispered to him. There were a limited number of people gathered, but to Raditz it seemed a hoard. So accustomed to being the last of his kind he felt lost among the humans that outnumbered him by the billions. Piccolo and Gohan took their seats on the side where Raditz stood. On the other side sat the members of Capsule that Stellari considered like family, including Vegeta and Nappa oddly enough. Although they were Saiyan, they were the source of power and the ones that gave the approval for Raditz choice in mate eventually. The more reasonable explanation was that Vegeta refused to sit on the same side of the church as Kakkarot's family and friends.

 

Down the aisle first strode Bliss in her pale green gown. Next came Launch, who was in her docile blue haired form to everyone's relief. Instead of standing to the side, she moved to sit next to Nappa, after Bulma stood on the side where the Bride would be.

 

A simple guitar and string quartet sang a song, and everyone stood. Even Vegeta reluctantly stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He was aware of the importance of even a Third Class union. It would show any Z warriors who would show up that he would behave. Nappa stood next to him, his arms folded. Trunks had Bliss standing next to him as she came around to walk through the other side of the pew, leaving Bulma to stand opposite where Raditz and Goku were before the altar and the priest patiently waiting. Goku's ear suddenly pricked up, and his eyes widened. Raditz felt the pulse in ki too, and they peered back to see someone hastily moving in and sitting in a back row.

 

"Krillen. And Master Roshi. They came!" whispered Goku excitedly. Trying to be as unobtrusive as possible his old teacher and best friend moved up when the usher indicated they should sit on the side where Piccolo and Gohan were. Goku's side. The side of Raditz adopted Earth family. Relief filled him. While Yamcha and Tien were nowhere around, at least they were there. They accepted this part of his life and he felt reassured.

 

Raditz eyes wandered to the back of the building when the bride stepped through the back doors. White ribbons and roses were tied to the doors, with white silk ribbons were tied into bows. The same motif was placed on the top of each pew, ribbon ends hanging down. On either side of her walked Fermi and Bohr. Bulma raised a brow to see Stellari being 'given away' by her two sons. Somehow it seemed appropriate. Raditz eyes were riveted to the veiled figure, and the way the light cast through stained glass danced over her making her solitary progress forwards. Only the Saiyan could hear the soft rustle of silk through the loud celebratory music of her entrance. His nostrils filled with the scent of her essence and the chemicals used to position her hair and perfume her body for the ritual. He didn't need to see her face to know it was the one he'd chosen. Through the bond he felt the fear and the joy increasing with each step till she was at his side.

 

"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked the priest. Somehow Raditz had blocked out the "Dearly Beloved" part of the speech. Snapping to attention he saw Fermi and Bohr as they chorused, "We do!"

 

Then the next few minutes he almost forgot to listen because he was lost at the sight of her face when he reached forward and pulled the borrowed veil from Chichi up and tossed it over her head. She wore no glasses to his shock, and he had a very clear view of her eyes that he himself would only see when they were alone together and she had removed them. He swallowed hard at the glimmer of sunlight shinning in her dark brown irises dilating and the happiness it bore witness to. The curve of her nose scrunching slightly with a knowing smile as she took his arm and they angled themselves to the priest. Rooted to the spot all he could do was nod and grunt in the places where he was supposed to say, "I do," and "Yes." His tongue managed to mumble through the words about "protect, cherish, love in sickness and death they do part."

 

"After then as well," he added, to the priest's surprise and he stopped cold.

 

"Indeed," the priest nodded. Goku had to nudge his brother's elbow to hand him the ring he'd fumbled from his vest pocket. Fingers only trembling a bit Raditz saw it placed next to the one Bulma had handed Stellari a minute before on a tray. Holy water spritzed overtop with a blessing of the symbolism before they were returned to their respective givers. He was afraid he would accidentally break her finger with the excitement he felt with taking her gloved hand in his. His massive fingers delicately clutching the gold band seemed almost comical, but they did not falter when he smoothly recited the pledge and slipped it on her finger. Still the look of joy in her eyes almost melted him after that second of possession, and he knew through their mind bond that she really felt truly his.

 

"Mine," Raditz thought. There were very few things or people he could claim to posses. It was the Saiyan way to conquer. Women on Earth had long been viewed as property and they were under Saiyan law with one provision. The female was a warrior in her own right and she held much more say then the law openly said. On recent Earth culture there was no 'ownership' like a thing. A woman gave ownership of her heart and love instead. The consent to be loved and protected as the oaths they recited said. He felt the cold metal of the band she slipped on his finger contrasted by the warmth of her opposite hand gripping his fingers. For a moment he peered at the obvious gleam of gold on her hand and his, joining the ranks of those who openly showed their partnership, their mating pledge sealed. Where the bands and the bites would show, the rings thus represented.

 

Words meant little to him because he knew she was already his. This was something he did for her happiness, and ultimately his own. To undergo a marriage under her religion and a quest for what she believed to wash away past stains he hoped he would be with her in the next world as well as this one. Light dancing over the curve of his ring seemed as brilliant as the soft light shining through her soft veil and the twinkle of the tears growing in her happy eyes. Yet it was a pale fraction of the light he felt pouring through troubled darkness he considered the landscape of his mind and heart. Warmth grew between them and he eagerly turned her to him when the speeches were over and the priest's ceremony was done. Once he spun her to him he slid his hands down her satin gowned body and boosted her up by her hips so she was level with his face. Surprised, she hooked her arms behind his face while still clinging frantically to the bouquet Chichi had made lest she drop it. Then their lips met and everything became real and solid from the trancelike state he had inhabited for the span of time he walked in those doors. He had lost himself in the sensations of the seriousness around them to hear the actual words, but he knew their meaning and their import. In their ears reverberated the cheers and claps from the small gathering, and the loud celebratory music filling the acoustic space. Still he couldn't bring himself to break the kiss that he was enjoying increasingly with each passing second.

 

When they broke off to breathe some people looked impatient and others annoyed. It seemed like they were all waiting for something to happen. Raditz felt his heart sinking because he was certain he'd done everything in the ceremony as was instructed.

 

"They're just waiting for us to go to the reception, love," Stellari whispered against his lips.

 

"I'm starving," Raditz murmured back, setting her down and squeezing her hand tightly. "In more ways then one."

 

"Uh not to interrupt you, but we'd like some pictures of…"

 

"I'm hungry," Goku couldn't resist mumbling.

 

"Food now, pictures later," Raditz said firmly to the wedding photographers as he took his wife's hand. Sweeping her up in his arms he bodily carried her down the aisle amidst the cheers of everyone who'd waited patiently as he completed a long and satisfying kiss.

 

"I guess THAT works," Bulma blinked. Chichi put her head in her face, mumbling something about weddings and such before Goku joined her in the cheering assemblage.

 

"Chichi, lighten up it's THEIR wedding," Goku said with a note of irritation in his voice. Taking her arm he half dragged her after the couple.

 

"Humph at least that idiot has SOME sense," Vegeta grunted, taking Bulma's arm and following Raditz and his bride to the parish hall which was loaded with food for all the guests.

 

Capsule had paid the bill for the feast before them. Lunch had done herself proud helping to coordinate the massive piles of sandwiches, fruit, and other amenities arranged in a buffet that had Goku drooling. Only Chichi's pressure on his arm kept him from rushing forward and diving in. It was taking all his self-control to keep from doing so.

 

"I'm starting to lose my temper," Raditz mumbled as another photographer flashed a camera in his face.

 

The string band that had been hired for the occasion had given way to a hired band and a blasted wedding singer that Raditz wished would go to HFIL because he seemed to be shouting instructions that people were rolling their eyes at. He wondered who in blazes had made this man in an ill fitting garish suit the one who dictated things. AT first he'd simply nodded and grunted when he heard the wedding 'traditions' of the reception explained without really caring because he was anxious for all to be over. Now he realized he should have put his foot down.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen before we eat can the happy couple sit down and toast?" Raditz grumbled under his breath as his wife gently urged him to one of the tables. Fortunately she walked him past the fruit and he was allowed to grab whatever he wanted for a snack before the next part.

 

"Chichi I'm starving," Goku said with a growl under his breath.

 

"But we have to wait," Chichi started. Stellari saw the pained look in several Saiyans faces and made a decision.

 

"Forget it. Raditz, Goku, Gohan, your Majesty, go get something to eat," said Stellari.

 

"But…' Chichi stammered.

 

"Now you're talking," Raditz said.

 

"Oh boy!" Goku laughed.

 

"Just bring the food BACK to the tables before you start chowing down, please?" Stellari asked politely as Goku rushed over and hugged her gratefully.

 

A number of tables were set up for people to take their food and sit wherever they wanted despite Chichi and Bulma's advice that it would be more 'classy' to have a menu and formal dining. However there was a table specifically set up front for the 'wedding party'. Happily everyone had started to help themselves to the food that Launch brought out AFTER the Saiyans among them had taken everything in sight to devour.

 

"Now a toast for the happy couple!" the wedding singer urged in a well-oiled voice only a seasoned professional could muster.

 

"Not again," Raditz groaned.

 

"Keep it short, Goku," Chichi advised him.

 

"You bet. I'm still STARVING," Goku winked at her as he stood up.

 

"Oh terrific," Vegeta muttered from one of the other tables where he sat with Bulma. Only Goku, Chichi and Raditz and Stellari sat at the 'main table' with Gohan and the twins. That was the compromise because Vegeta insisted he refused to sit at the same place as the 'silly clown'.

 

"Vegeta it was bad enough you wouldn't let me sit there. It's customary because I'm the maid of honor!" Bulma hissed.

 

"Stupid earth customs. This is a Third Class. I'm here for ceremonial purposes only! If this was Vegetasei…"

 

"That's the point it isn't," Bulma whispered.

 

"I'm HERE at this event aren't I? I didn't HAVE to come!" Vegeta mumbled.

 

"And this guy who I've come to know… through all sorts of stuff…" Goku continued, scratching his head as everyone waited for him to complete what he was going to say. Chichi nodded as patiently as she could, and he glanced around wildly.

 

"Oh well, what really matters is that we're all here, and we're all alive, and together. What more can I say? And these people here are part of my friends and family," Goku suddenly said, glancing back at his wife with a serious look that told her he was fine on his own.

 

"Sounds good to me," Krillen nodded from where he sat with Master Roshi. "I'll drink to that!"

 

Goku's glass clinked against Raditz, and both of them downed their glasses in one sip. Then they sat once more and the eating continued despite anyone else's expectation. Stellari simply looped her arm through the one that her husband wasn't using to stuff his face and leaned on his shoulder happily.

 

"What's the big deal anyway?" Fermi asked Gohan.

 

"Mom just gets upset when things aren't done 'the right way'," Gohan whispered to the other boy.

 

"Grownups worry about stupid things sometimes," Fermi said.

 

"We were quiet and behaved the whole service, so why can't we eat when Mommy says its okay, sheesh," Bohr agreed, taking bites of his dinner.

 

Raditz had to endure sitting down and listening to Goku fumbling with some sappy speech to the married couple before they could take their first sip of the 'champagne'. Then there was the annoying habit that some people had of clinking on their glasses, which gave him a headache. He got the hint when Stellari leaned over and kissed him that it was a signal for another strange if not pleasant behavior. It became clear to Stellari that he was growing bored with all the silliness of an earth wedding reception. Only the promise of food and being with her in all eyes of the law was what he was interested in. Not to mention the honeymoon.

 

"Now that we've had a bit of refreshment folks, now's the time to cut the cake! Will the bride and groom please come forward," the wedding singer drawled on.

 

"Oh, I hope Bulma's caterers didn't forget the knife that you picked out," said Chichi.

 

"I am NOT performing some stupid song while I cut a cake," Raditz complained when he heard someone saying something about what song was to be played.

 

"But it's tradition on Earth…" Chichi started.

 

"Chichi, what's wrong? You didn't worry about that so much when you and I got married! We just had a nice feast!" Goku said as he leaned over.

 

"But it was what we planned and…"

 

"There seems to be some confusion in the bridal party. I wonder if they have something special cooked up…" the announcer said.

 

"That's it, I've had enough," Raditz grumbled. "This is getting to be frustrating."

 

"Where did you hire this guy anyhow?" Stellari glared at Chichi.

 

"It wasn't me, it was Bulma!" Chichi glared towards the table. Music stopped and the tables of people began to murmur amongst each other. Goku groaned, putting his head in his hand as Raditz fumed. He placed a hand on his brother's arm after Stellari moved around her husband to where Chichi sat and they were almost nose to nose.

 

"This is just stupid," Stellari snapped, slamming her glass down on the table. "I won't have this nonsense getting in the way of people having fun. I wouldn't have agreed to it if it would make people bitch and whine!"

 

"Now what?" Vegeta grunted to Bulma.

 

"Excuse me a minute," she said, pushing away from her chair and marching over to where Chichi was arguing with Stellari.

 

"What's going on! They're waiting!" Bulma said, leaning between them.

 

"After all I did to help put this together the least you can do is be GRATEFUL," Chichi spluttered.

 

"Now wait a minute, what's the problem here!" Bulma asked, shoving them apart.

 

"I'm only going along with this because I wanted to be nice to you!" Stellari glared at her.

 

"If you didn't WANT this, why didn't you SAY so?" Chichi snapped at Stellari. "You've got some nerve to act ungrateful after all the hard work I put into this wedding. You were the one who asked ME to help you!"

 

"The reception's for everyone I know to have FUN, not run through a bunch of stupid rituals that you guys happen to THINK are traditional for this sort of wedding!

 

"But everyone expects the bride and groom to cut the cake in a western style wedding don't they?" Chichi turned to Bulma. "Isn't that RIGHT Bulma?"

 

"Now don't drag ME into this! I'm only going with what both of YOU said you wanted!" Bulma snapped at Chichi.

 

"Excuse me, most of these stupid rituals have NOTHING to do with the real intent of a man and woman gathering under the sight of God and…" Stellari snapped.

 

"Chichi, Stellari stop it!" Goku shouted. "That's enough!"

 

Both of them turned their heads to see Goku shaking his. "Chichi, you're acting out of line. Stellari, you listen to me! This is your wedding day! IF you two want to we can all just let you go outside if you want to spar!"

 

"Goku, you stay out of this!" Chichi snapped.

 

"No I'm putting my foot down, Chi. This is not FAIR. You shouldn't be doing this… like this! It's not NICE," Goku said with a raised voice back to her. His dark eyes filled with anger.

 

"Goku… what… what's gotten into you…"

 

"Chichi, it's THEIR wedding. Who CARES who does what when? Does it MATTER?"

 

"Does it matter, does it matter?" Chichi spluttered.

 

"It DOES matter buddy because you remember it the rest of your life, so don't get cocky, Son kun! You men don't get that a woman's wedding is…" Bulma yelled at Goku.

 

"Enough!" Raditz shouted, loud enough for everyone to stare at him.

 

"I'm not going to tolerate this," Stellari cut in angrily. "You guys can sit here and argue. I'm going to leave."

 

"But… but this is your wedding… you can't just… after all the WORK I did!" Chichi stammered.

 

"Don't you WANT this to be the best day in…" Bulma asked.

 

"I will NOT have this happening now! I will not have my mate… my wife upset by your stupid human customs! I only care about what this God thinks, not what you humans consider important," Raditz interrupted, glaring at everyone.

 

"Amen to that," Goku mumbled. "That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

 

"Hey are you idiots through arguing or can I go home now?" Vegeta shouted from his table. "If this is what happens at a typical earth wedding, I'm glad that Bulma and I had ours in private!"

 

"Vegeta don't GO there!" Bulma glared at him.

 

"Not when it comes down to this," Stellari said. "I want a nice party where everyone's happy. And that wedding singer's the first to go. As far as I'm concerned, Goku can be the one standing up there behind the microphone. The only thing I want to remember from this mess is a nice dance with my husband."

 

"Sounds good to me," Goku nodded. "Hey Krillen! Can you give me a hand?"

 

"Goku?" Krillen blinked. Raditz let go of Stellari's hand and followed his brother despite Bulma and Chichi's stares and Stellari and everyone's amusement, and grabbed the wedding singer by the back of his collar and carried him towards the door.

 

"Your services are done. Get out," Raditz snapped.

 

"But… but…"

 

Several pairs of eyes and a few resigned sighs from Chichi and Bulma indicated he would probably be best not to argue. Especially when Bulma marched over and placed several hundred zenni in his pocket and that of the hired band. Relief filled the small space and everyone settled down to eat once more in peace. Thanks to some quick thinking by Krillen who had brought Master Roshi's boom-box, and a few CD's from everyone's cars or transports soon he and Master Roshi had taken over the sound system and were picking the songs people wanted to hear.

 

Chichi fumed a bit but Goku's firm hand on hers reassured her that it wasn't something to worry about. Seeing Stellari and Raditz happily eating, then dancing later soon put an end to any other protest. After all it was what Raditz and Stellari wanted to make of it that mattered and having friends and family there was the whole reason for the reception anyhow. They would create what memories they wanted, not those expected by others.