Crossroads

Chapter 20

Goku got to spend some time with Raditz before he headed towards the Earth to be there for Vegeta's wedding. Raditz had to leave Minala and Radom behind, but they were watched over and well cared for in his stead, and Minala wasn't upset about not being able to go, anyways, which was a nice, fresh perspective, from many of the others who were sorely angry at not being invited. Apparently, the event was something that only a handful of Saiyans were going to have the privilege to see in person, and the same went for the Earthlings, although it would be broadcast on Planet Vegeta and Earth simultaneously, making the ceremony itself public, but everything before and after was a private affair. Even the King has left with Tarble, already, and the air on the planet seemed to still as they awaited the wedding day and their Royal's return.

Goku was beginning to be grateful that he wasn't going to see the spectacle, and he tried his best not to think too much about his upcoming trip for now.

This night has been nice for Goku, in particular. He felt some of the pressure being relieved with the entirety of the Royal House away, and he was able to spend some time out in one of the nearby cities with his father, which always makes him feel better for some reason. He half expected his father to be invited to the wedding, but he never got around to asking him about it. In fact, they had only briefly talked about the wedding, but Bardock seemed much more interested in asking him to tell him all about the Earth as often as he could remember to call him, and he seemed to think that Goku was going to settle in there just fine before easing the conversation into other, lighter subjects altogether. It put Goku's heart at ease.

He told his father about what Tarble had said, though, and Bardock agreed with the younger Prince's sentiments, assuring him that it was probably for the best. He insisted that Goku had a good head on his shoulders and encouraged him to try and move on as much as possible, convinced that the King's decision was a sound one, and meant for good and not harm.

Goku knew that it didn't matter what he thought anyways, and it certainly didn't matter that he was going to miss the wedding, itself. He'd miss Vegeta, he misses him already, and he'd miss his family, and his friends, but even he knew he'd get over it rather quickly, especially with such distance between them.

Upon returning to the castle after discussing things with his father, he felt a little more ready to take on this new adventure that's awaiting him in only a short time.

"Hey man," Rictor hollers to Goku as he notices him passing by, "Wait up a minute!"

Goku turns and smiles at him, munching on a snack he brought back with him. Not many people were up at this time, and Goku wasn't expecting to see anyone on his way back to his room, but he didn't mind the company.

"You leave in a few days, huh? Are you excited?" Rictor asks him conversationally, stepping into stride with the other.

"Yeah," Goku smiles, "I am. I think it will be fun." He hasn't been able to see Rictor much, since he was moved to the King's guard upon the switch being made, but he was grateful that it hadn't gone to his head, and glad that he stopped to talk to him. Rictor hadn't been one of the one's called to go to the Earth, and he'd told him during one of their brief exchanges a few weeks ago that he didn't mind. He had said that he was grateful to not have to work. Goku agreed.

Rictor eyed him closely and said, "Fun, you say? Now you get to work for the Princess of Planet Vegeta. That sure sounds fun," he added sarcastically and shivered in mock disgust, "I never thought I'd say those words."

Goku grinned, and said before taking another bite, "I'm looking forward to getting a chance to travel there, again. I've always loved visiting the Earth."