A New Beginning

Chapter 1

"I'm so happy!" Chi-Chi squealed in delight.

Yesterday, Goku and Chi-Chi were finally able to put out the fire on the Ox King's castle. The rest of the day was spent in preparation for the wedding of Goku and Chi-Chi. The villagers of Ox King's kingdom joyously worked together to create the ceremony for the two by preparing the meal, getting Goku and Ox King suits made since theirs burned up in the fire and several maidens helped Chi-Chi with her wedding dress by giving it a good cleaning to rid of the dust that built up over the years while in its case.

The ceremony was held in the early afternoon the following day at the bottom of the hill where the Ox King's castle once stood. It was a perfect day with a clear, blue sky, and the bright, warm sun creating the perfect weather. A small group of the village people created the wedding march music with their musical instruments. Goku and Chi-Chi walked arm in arm down the white runner where a flower girl decorated it with red and pink rose petals.

Chi-Chi held onto Goku snuggly as they walked down the aisle together. Goku looked down at his wife-to-be confused. So many things ran through the young man's mind. He knew about Chi-Chi wanting to wear the wedding dress but why did he have to get dressed up? Was it because he was getting married, too? Why did they have to walk on this white paper with flowers on it? What was that man in black at the end of the trail going to do when they get there? There were so many things that was happening that made Goku realized one thing-getting married was strange.

Goku and Chi-Chi stopped in front of the priest and listened as he spoke kind words about marriage. The priest went on to ask if anyone felt these two shouldn't be married. When no one spoke, he continued. The priest asked Goku if he will love, honor and protect Chi-Chi the rest of his life. He also asked Goku if he will take care of Chi-Chi in sickness and health and remained by her side in rich and poor. Goku didn't see anything wrong with that though he wasn't sure exactly on what love was but went ahead and said, 'Sure!' Chi-Chi politely nudged Goku and told him he was suppose to say, 'I do.' Goku apologized to the priest and said 'I do.' Chi-Chi was asked the same question to which she eagerly said 'I do.' She squeezed Goku's arm even tighter. Goku wondered what Chi-Chi's problem was. She was cutting off the blood circulation in his arm.

The priest spoke a little more and told Goku to kiss Chi-Chi to make the wedding ceremony official. Kiss Chi-Chi in front of everyone? Goku just started kissing when he and Chi-Chi were on Nimbus as they searched for the Bansho fan. He got the feeling it was private and he wasn't sure about doing that in front of everyone. Chi-Chi whispered to Goku that they have to do this. Goku felt a light blush on his cheeks, feeling embarrassed but he decided to do it. Remembering what Chi-Chi told him last night, Goku raised the veil over Chi-Chi's head. He saw her eyes were sparkling in joy, just as it was when he proposed to marry her. Goku planned to make the kiss brief but as soon as he planted his lips on Chi-Chi's, she threw her arms around Goku's neck pulling him closer to prolong the kiss. Goku jerked in reaction, but Chi-Chi tightened her hold on him. She wasn't going to let go until she was ready.

When Chi-Chi broke away from Goku, the priest introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Son Goku. Goku blinked in surprise. Mr. and Mrs. Son Goku? What? Chi-Chi won't be called Chi-Chi anymore? Goku asked Chi-Chi about that and she told her husband that this is what happens when a woman gets married. She explained as his wife, she will be taking his last name and will be called Son Chi-Chi from now on. Goku nodded understanding and mentally confirmed that getting married was strange, but smiled as he realized it was kind of fun. Goku and Chi-Chi walked back down the aisle as villagers threw rice at them and cheered happy praises for the married couple. Chi-Chi laughed happily while Goku looked confused. Why would anyone throw away good rice? Could this marriage thing get any stranger?