I know its Sunday instead of Friday, but just forgot to upload it before I left for a trip - Enjoy!

Over six months had passed since the night at the stream, and Videl was glad to spend less and less time in the kitchen. The king and his son had become a family to her, and it was the first time since before she could remember that she was truly happy. Goten had just given her a drawing of the three of them, and although he preferred to not stay in the lines, she still loved the gesture. She bought a frame for it, and was proudly putting it on her nightstand when there was a loud knock at the door, late in the evening.

Videl poked her head out to see one of the older servants. "The Ox King has requested your presence in his office, immediately", the woman told her mechanically. Videl nodded.

"Let him know I'll be there shortly".

She was in her night clothes, but even with her becoming more and more familiar with the king, she still wanted to dress nicely for him.

Videl straightened her dress before knocking on the Ox King's door, then walked in before waiting for a response. He heard her come in, and dismissed a servant just as she came to stand next to him. The king looked downward, his face emotionless. Videl chilled at what was coming, it must be important. He had been opening up to her and was always willing to talk.

The servant exited the room, looking at Videl worriedly. The king picked up a remote control, hitting a button which turned on the TV in the corner.

"I'm here on KDBZ News Tonight. With us is Mr. Hercule Satan, with tragic news. Mr. Satan?"

The screen panned over to Hercule, the man's visage frightening and angering Videl all at once. She clenched her teeth.

"Thanks, Chet. People of earth, I'm here tonight to tell you something very painful that's happened. My little princess, the apple of my eye, has gone missing."

It showed an aged Polaroid of a young Videl, one that had been taken over a decade ago.

"Videl is my pride and joy. If anyone knows where she can be found, please contact my office immediately. I'm offering a 50,000,000 Zeni reward for her safe return."

Videl felt a shiver go down her spine and a sense of dread in the pit of her stomach. The camera cut to Hercule loudly crying.

An act, Videl knew. She remembered what kind of man he really was. She rubbed her neck absent-mindedly, on the verge of tears.

The screen turned off, silencing the room. The king placed the remote on his desk and turned towards Videl.

"As the king of this great kingdom, I must protect its citizens, no matter the cost. That's the first law, and it must be obeyed."

Videl was shaking as he stood up and started to walk around the room, never averting his ruined eyes from her.

"If word got out that you were here, my kingdom would be under a constant barrage of threats, media coverage and military action." He stopped, leaning on a bookcase. "We would lose our peace, prosperity, and privacy. I can't allow this to happen."

Videl's eyes dropped to the floor in shame, where she then noticed an empty suitcase sitting by the desk.

"And the court has been talking", the king continued. "About how I have been 'slacking on my duties' because of certain distractions," he paused and averted his gaze from her. "They say spending so much time with someone I should have lawfully killed makes me look weak and not in control."

Videl's face was streamed with tears. "What are you trying to say?"

The king paused, collecting himself and clearing his throat before continuing. "There's a hefty reward for you, if I gave you up to your father".

Videl's eyes widened as she almost whispered. "Please don't make me go back".

The Ox King went back to his desk, sitting down at his chair. "You are not a citizen of this kingdom, you are a prisoner. However," he pulled out a large pen from his desk drawer and started signing a large piece of parchment." I hereby pardon your crimes against my kingdom. You are free to leave. You have a week before I hand you over myself."

Silence shook the room. Videl started to clench her fists.

"So that's it", she asked incredulously. "So, what we've had is meaningless? What about Goten, the time we've spent together? You haven't felt anything in return?"

The king bristled. "Have you really been happy here?" he sneered lip curling up. "You shouldn't have been. You've been a prisoner this entire time. Or did you forget that? I'm a ruthless tyrant, and you were merely a passing fancy that happened to earn my son's attention."

Videl's face became red as she stuck an accusatory finger at him.

"You can't treat me better than anyone has ever treated me in my life, and then say something like that", she hissed angrily. "I used to think you were a tyrant, but you were just a sad and lonely person, using your station as an excuse to stay away from everyone except your son. He may not even be your son, you don't remember anything before that night!"

The Ox King stood up abruptly. "Don't you dare speak of my son in that way, you insolent woman! I should have killed you then, and I foolishly spared you, and this is how you speak to your king? I want you gone from my house, immediately."

Videl scoffed, waving her arms in a mocking, dismissive gesture. "My king. If I remember correctly, I'm not a citizen nor your servant as you just blatantly said a few moments ago. I can call you whatever I want now. And right now, you're nothing but a fool".

She stormed out of the room tears streaming down her face, slamming the door behind her.

The king could still feel the ringing in his ears as she left. He turned his back towards the offending door knocking his chair to the ground, as he strode to what he thought was a window. For all he could know he is staring at a wall that sometimes lets cold air in. The King gritted his teeth, folding his arms close across his chest.

"That woman, had long over stayed her welcome here," he bit out. "Her very existence in his kingdom is a threat. It was foolish to let her live, Goten needs to learn the harsh realities of the world, and instead I chose to spare her. The Foolish Ox King, should be my title."

The king suddenly felt something wet drop off his chin. He brought up his hand to investigate when he felt more drops fall into his open palm. Bringing up his hand to his face it was moist and cold, then smashed the barrier in front of him, confirming it was a glass window, as broken glass shards descended upon him.

Videl cried herself to sleep that night, waking up as her alarm went off. She dressed, washed up, then made her way to the kitchens for the breakfast shift. She really didn't know what else to do, other than stick to what she has been doing well for over a year now. Habits and routine always had a calming effect.

She rubbed her eyes. There were more crusts around the edges. Had last night been a dream? She was so angry, he had been too, but this morning she just felt exhausted. On the way to the kitchens, she could see and hear servants through the halls, talking in hushed whispers upon seeing her.

Videl reached the kitchens and was quickly dismissed and escorted out of the kitchen by one of the older servant women.

"No need to work today, Videl. It's only the prince at breakfast."

She gave her a plate of fruit.

"Go check up on the little one, the king hasn't been seen at all today this morning and he's worried."

She made her way to the dining room to find Goten, and alarmingly, was eating at a slow pace. He brightened up when she walked in.

"Good Morning, Miss Videl", he chimed as she walked in with the fruit. "Father isn't here yet; would you sit and have breakfast with me?"

"Of course, my little prince", Videl said nodding. "I'd love to have breakfast with you". The two sat down and ate together, with Goten talking about a silly dream he had the night before. She loved hearing his stories, he was very good at telling them.

After finishing with breakfast, Goten asked her to help with his homework. Before she could even respond, he led her by the hand to the library, where the two studied. They were deep in a math textbook when Goten looked over to Videl.

"Miss Videl, do you like living here?"

She was stunned at the bold question. Did he know what happened the night before? Does he know about what her father said on the news? She did like staying here, but after last night she wasn't sure. She had never felt so…at home and then quickly feel isolated and alone. She looked down at the boy with a small smile.

"I love being with you, Goten", she cooed. "You bring happiness wherever you go, you're my little ball of sunshine".

The little boy looked her strangely, scrunching up his face. To him, she didn't answer the question. She sighed, closing the text book.

"Goten", she began. "I…have to go take care of something in my rooms for a while. Important things. If you need me, just call for me". She smiled at him, then got up and left to her quarters.

Goten didn't know what to think. Miss Videl was acting strangely this morning, and he hadn't seen father all day. He was much happier when Miss Videl was around, maybe he can find out what's wrong with Videl.

Goten approached the king's room and was immediately repelled before he could even grasp the door handle. "Sorry, my young lord. But the king is very busy and has asked not to be disturbed."

"But…" the prince interrupted.

"Even by you, my lord", the servant spoke quietly.

And this happened every day for almost a week. Videl and Goten would eat breakfast, then study. She would leave to her room, he would try to see his father, and couldn't.

Today, he had enough.

Goten marched up to the door, pushing aside the guards. He could hear a clatter inside, followed by angry yelling and things breaking. He cracked the door open and poked his head in, seeing the chaos inside. The king heard, turning towards the door, his face red and sparks flying around him.

"GET. OUT."

Goten immediately reversed, shutting the door. He sat on the floor for a moment, stunned. His father had never spoken to him that way. He was scared, and did the only thing he could think of he ran.

Videl was shocked to attention, her suitcase at her feet when her door slammed open. A little boy literally flew into her chest, knocking her backwards knocking her to her bed.

"Miss Videl!" Goten choked through tears. "I don't know what to do. Father is upset and he won't leave his room. He keeps breaking things and he even yelled at me!"

Videl held him close, stroking his hair as she attempted to console the sobbing boy.

"It's okay", she said quietly. "I'm sure your father didn't mean to scare you," as she started to rub circles into the little boys back. "He must just be having a bad day, I'm sure he will be wanting to see your bright and shining face soon, he has a lot of responsibilities as king." She looked down at him as Goten buried his face into her, she just sighed and let the boy weep as she began to stare at the suit case she had just finished packing.

Goten looked up at her, then followed her eyes to the suitcase on the floor. His lips began to tremble again as he pulled away from her.

"You're leaving?" he asked, almost panicked. "You're not supposed to leave! You have to stay and play with us forever!"

He back peddled to the edge of her bed grabbing her pillow and cornering himself. Videl immediately went to grab him and embraced him again almost cradling him. Holding him tight, as her shirt was started to get soaked.

"It's not my choice", she replied calmly rubbing circles into his back. "The kingdom is much safer and happier without me here".

Goten looked at her angrily, snot slightly dripping down his red face as he used a sleeve to clean it. "That's a lie! I'm happier with you here, father is happier with you here. I've never seen him happier than when you are with us! You're the only one who can help him right now."

"I'm not sure there's anything I can say or do to help him", Videl replied sadly.

Goten shook his head, breaking from her embrace standing next to her by the bed. "He listens to you, please try, Miss Videl".

She looked at the boy, struggling to know what to do. She had never consoled a young child before, let alone one in a situation like this. She stood up next to the young prince patting her rumpled clothes.

"Let's go talk to him," as she reaches for Goten's hand and head for the King's room.

As they made their way to down the hallway, past the throne room, Videl could sense the emotional energy radiating from the room. It felt like his heart was bleeding; his emotions were being broadcast through his ki. They arrived at the king's door, which by the looks of it was about to be blown off its hinges from the blasts emanating from within. She looked at Goten, who looked at her with hope in his eyes.

"I don't know what you want me to do", Videl asked with a sense of uneasiness, looking back down at Goten.

"Just do what you always do", Goten replied as he let go of her hand.

Videl was not an expert in ki, she was making good progress according to the king. But she had never felt such raw, emotional, destructive power. Before she knew it Goten had pried the great door open. She peaked inside, all she could see was a mass of fog filling the room. She could make out pieces of broken furniture scattered throughout the room. A whirl wind of energy gained her attention as the wind started to circle around a figure in the center of the room. Static electricity surrounding the figure as blonde hair shined glaringly in the dense fog. The figure didn't seem to notice her presence at all as his back was facing her. Videl didn't know what was going on but she knew she needed to go towards that direction.

A cub in the presence of a lion

She looked inward, reaching for her ki, just like he taught her. She found it, pulling it forward and enshrouding herself with the energy. Maybe he would be able to locate her as a light house would help fishermen at sea. The close she got towards him, the energy around them started to get denser, and it became increasingly harder for her to walk. Videl was breathing heavier at every step she took.

The temptation to give up was increasing with every step she took towards him, but she had to go to him, she knew in the back of her mind if she were to make it to him that would be enough. There was nothing tactical about it, no planning needed. She wanted to go to him. To be there for him. To show him that she will always be with him. She reached for the last bit of energy she had and lunged forward and embraced the king from behind. She held him hard although there was a sweeping instant pain in her hands almost as if being burned but she refused to let go.

In that moment, everything stopped. Time stood still, the silence deafening in the shattered room, occupied by a shattered man. The man could hold himself no longer his blonde golden hair quickly fading to black, tears streaming down his face he turned around grabbing for her hands and bringing them up to his face.

"Please…don't leave me," he barely whispered.

"Is that a command?" she asked quietly.

The king shook his head.

"Then I won't". She said, as he partially collapsed to the floor, kneeling into her embrace.

Videl knelt down with the king still in her arms, in the arms of his beloved servant, his body wracked with sobs and inner torment. She sat quietly, stroking his hair until he fell asleep. Looking around, she saw a discarded pillow within reach. She retrieved it, then gently let his head fall into it. Videl started to get up to get a blanket when, without opening his eyes, he grabbed her wrist.

"Don't go".

She smiled a small smile and obliged. As she laid down next to him, his strong arms wrapped around her. She could feel his heartbeat and soft breathing against the top of her hair, he was warm, as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

A few months after the incident, Videl was staring at the stupid pink stick. She thought that she knew what was going on, with the vomiting and general not feeling well. But this was something much more serious. She snapped it in half, tossing it into the bathroom trash can, and hid it beneath some toilet paper. She didn't have time to deal with this right now. Besides, what would he say?

At the end of the week, Videl remembered, was the royal ball. The king had, surprisingly, been looking forward to it. He normally hated social functions and doing that the court expected of him. He looked towards her as she exited the bathroom, pale and clammy.

"Is everything alright, Miss Videl?" the king asked worriedly.

"Yes", she replied. "Everything is fine. It must be food poisoning."

The king nodded, then left the room to join his bookkeepers for their monthly meeting.

Goten came into the room, escorting a man who Videl vaguely remembered was the royal tailor.

"Miss Videl!" he beamed, running up and hugging her. "We're here to get your dress tailored for the ball!"

She smiled, then looked at Goten with faux irritation. "Shouldn't you be with your tutors?" She pulled his ears lovingly, which elicited a cute pouting face from the boy.

"I want to see your pretty dress!" he bargained, wide-eyed.

"You'll see it when the king sees it…later." Videl informed him. He begrudgingly nodded, then ran off towards the library. Videl shut the door as the tailor brought carefully retrieved a beautiful dress from her bag. It was the royal colors of the Ox Kingdom, dark blue with a creamy white petticoat. She wasn't a girl that usually wore dresses; her father said that "you can't fight in a dress". But this was a work of art. It showed off her curves perfectly, and accentuated her bright face and slim neck. She actually felt beautiful, for the first time that she could remember. The tailor placed pins where the garment had to be taken in.

"The king is in for a treat, Miss Videl", the tailor commented, his mouth half-full of pins.

She blushed. "Thank you". This dress is magnificent, you should be proud".

The tailor beamed, then continued. "Are you looking forward to the ball, Miss Videl?"

She nodded anxiously. "Yes, although I'm a bit nervous. I don't know how to dance".

"Nonsense", the tailor quipped with a dismissing wave. "The king will lead you. All you have to do is follow what he does and you'll be perfect". He gave her a wink.

His words didn't ease her anxiousness. She felt that she couldn't go into this blind. Also, the events of the morning didn't exactly help. Maybe she could ask him? No, she thought. It's too embarrassing to tell him I didn't know how.

The dress arrived a few hours before the ball was set to begin. In her time at the Ox Kingdom, Videl had gotten to know the small cadre of nobles and rich people that made up the king's court. They were all expecting a lot of her today, and have been murmuring about her relationship with the king. She had once been a criminal and almost executed, but now the king was showing her off? Surely a thing like this has never happened in the Ox Kingdom…

The daughter of a drunken martial arts master stood terrified behind a set of doors at the top of the stairs of the ballroom. Literally shaking, she could hear the other couples being introduced. She'd rather be anywhere but here, but for the king, this is something that she will do. For him.

The announcement was made, and the doors were pulled open from the other side. The light was almost blinding, the king had the chandeliers polished and had new lights put in all over the room. She did the customary curtsy, then with as much grace as she could muster, lifted the front end of her dress and walked down the stairs. Before she knew it, the king strode up a few stairs and met her. In the brief moment before he turned around, he touched the dress, feeling how it sat on her body.

"You are the most beautiful woman here", the king whispered in her ear. She blushed.

"How can you know that? You can't see anyone. Not even me!" she whispered back, her mouth covered by an ornate fan.

The king smirked as he led her striding into the center of the room.

"I don't need to see to know how radiant you are", he replied. "Besides, I'm the king. If I say you are, you are."

She pinched him gently on the arm, which made him laugh briefly.

The music began, and the tailor was right; he knew how to lead. He lead her spinning across the polished marble floor without a single movement wasted, dipping her with a flair and grace that caught the eyes of everyone in the room. She leaned in close.

"Where did you learn to dance like this?" she asked.

He replied, his head shaking. "I don't know. I can do it, but I can't remember taking any lessons. Dancing just feels like…it was something important that someone wanted me to know".

The dance ended, after many audible gasps from the audience caused by the king's daring spins and lifts. Before she knew it, Videl had stopped moving and the ballroom erupted in a wave of applause. The king bowed, and she followed with a curtsy. He pulled her towards a microphone that had suddenly appeared from a wire, dangling in the middle of the ballroom. He grabbed it nervously.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the royal family, I'd like to welcome you to the 200th annual Ox Kingdom ball."

The standard applause scattered through the room. The king continued.

"I hope you all enjoy yourselves. But before we get this started, there are a few very important announcements".

He coughed, clearing his throat.

"The first", he began, "is that at the behest of my many advisors…and others" he smiled in Videl's direction. "… the Ox Kingdom will be opening its borders to the world in the upcoming months. I've spoken to many of you and we feel this is the right direction for our kingdom to be taking. We can expect lots of new trade, people, and innovation that will benefit everyone!"

The crowd cheered, and the king let them for a minute before he gestured for silence.

"And the second announcement…" he began, his voice shaking. He fumbled in his pocket, then produced a small box. The king frantically felt for Videl's hand, then caught it, squeezing it lightly for assurance. Videl, caught off guard, began to breathe heavily.

"M…my lord?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Miss Videl," the king stuttered, quickly gaining composure. He knelt before her, opening the box to reveal a very old-style diamond ring. "You have become family to myself and my son. I simply cannot bear the thought of living without you. I need your strength as the kingdom faces new challenges, and I want you by my side forever. Will you marry me and become my queen?"

The audience gasped, then silence filled the room. Whispers could be heard.

"He's marrying a commoner?"

"Wasn't she supposed to be executed?"

"I don't like this".

"aww…good for them".

Videl stared at the man offering her his soul, a piece of himself. She certainly wasn't expecting this, but the pieces fit. His excited planning of this ball, the nervousness…it all made sense. But could she marry him? It would certainly help the kingdom, and would make telling him about what she found out earlier in the week that much easier.

But…she thought. She didn't want to be anywhere else. With anyone else. She loved him and his son, they were her boys. She closed her eyes as a tear rolled down her face.

"Yes", she replied, as she launched into a hug. It almost knocked him down and made him struggle to hold onto the box. He grinned the widest grin she'd ever seen on him, then he delicately put the ancient ring on her finger. She hugged him again, then leaned into his shoulder.

"I have a surprise for you too", she whispered quietly into his ears. "You're going to be a father again". His mouth dropped, his eyes blinking. He then lifted her into the air again, bringing her back down for a tender kiss as the audience cheered on, unaware of what had just happened.

The royal couple danced, the night dissolving around them as they dreamt of the future together.

A mysterious, magical figure appeared from nowhere in front of the burly man. The bigger man yelped out in surprise, then lunged forward in an attempt to attack the intruder. With a wave of the figures hand, Hercule was frozen in place.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Mr. Satan", the man spoke. "In fact, I have a proposition for you. If I let you go, do you promise not to attack me? Not that you could…"

Hercule nodded, the magical binding around his body relaxing.

"…what do ya want?" Hercule stammered as he took a few steps back.

"Money. Simple enough, yes?" teased the intruder. "Plain and simple, I know where your daughter is".

Hercule snapped to attention. "What happened to her?" he barked. "What do you know?"

The man held up a hand. "Patience. She's being held in the Ox Kingdom. She was safe, according to my latest intel report."

Hercule's face twisted in confusion. "The Ox Kingdom?" Ain't it just a fairy tale?"

The man shook his head. "No, Mr. Satan. It's quite real. But very well-protected."

Hercule growled. "They can't keep her from me. I'll march over there and get her myself. I'll…"

The man shook his head again. "Impossible. I know the magic shielding the kingdom from view. You would never get it open. However," he said, pulling out a sheet of paper, "this may be our chance. The king will come to this, and we can capture him there. Hold him hostage until he brings your daughter back."

Hercule nodded through the explanation. "And you need money for security, to hold him hostage?"

The man chuckled, a shadowed figure stepping out from behind him. The form then stood perfectly still. He looked like a bruiser, a street thug. The man gestured towards the newcomer.

"This is an example of what you'll be paying for", he said, as the figure effortlessly blew a hole through a nearby wall with a blast of power from his outstretched hands.

Hercule stood shocked, then grinned. He walked forward, shaking the man's hand.

"Let's talk business".

Your reviews help me get better as a writer and I appreciate everyone of them! Next chapter should be out next week.

Also my other store of Grown Up Already? - not sure when that story will be updated but maybe hopefully someday!