Those Obnoxious Dragon Balls

Chapter 3: Plus Ten

Goku crossed his arms in thought. "Well, it seemed like something that would make her happy, so yeah, I guess. But, after hearing that short guy explain how marriage actually works, I kinda don't see myself being ready for that kind of thing. Not anytime soon, at least."

"And I'm sure Chi-Chi will understand that with time. Just like I do now." Lum said. She then held a hand over her heart. "That's why I'll wait as long as it takes for you to be ready, so... I can be your loving wife someday!"

"But didn't you just say that you understood why—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Lum abruptly hugged Goku close to her, so she could caress his face.

"I do understand. That's why I'll do everything to make you return my affections no matter what!" She hugged him tighter, much to Goku's discomfort. "I just won't rush it or do anything by force. With my Alien Registration Permit, I have no plans of going anywhere, Darling."

"Makes enough sense to me... I think." He muttered. He couldn't tell if Lum intended her statement as a promise, threat, or a weird mix of both. "Erm... Could you let me go now, Lum?"

"Hmm... Fine..." Lum grumbled. Goku parted from her body as she continued to levitate in midair.

There was an ever-so-slight pout on her face. She really wanted to hug Goku for just a little longer... without the electric shocks, of course.

"So, anyway, what's your planet like Lum? Is it anything similar to this?"

"Oh, not at all. Oniboshi is mainly a yellow planet with black stripes. Our outfits are purposely designed to look like it." Lum explained, pointing to her respective bikini top. "When I saw that Earth was almost completely blue with one big piece of land in its center, I didn't know what to think. It was so... different."

"Yeah, this place is pretty chock full of surprises. I'm glad I was able to explore most of it way back when." Goku chuckled.

"I'd love to explore more of it with you, Darling." The Oni girl lovingly beamed. "Please go on! Tell me one of your adventures. I'm just dying to know how you got so strong."

Goku stroked the side of his cheek. He didn't even know where to begin. "I mean, there hasn't been a day where I haven't been getting stronger, Lum. It's kinda hard to sum all that up in one go."

"Then start from the beginning, at least. I can always hear the rest later from Bulma or one of your other friends." Lum asked.

"The beginning, huh?" Goku muttered.

He glanced over at Lum. Her big blue eyes were practically glistening from sheer wonder and curiosity. For some reason, it was difficult for him to look away.

The martial artist ultimately caved in to Lum's request, even if thinking of his early childhood would bring back some... painful memories.

"I guess it all started with my grandpa, Gohan." Goku recounted with a warm grin. "He was the guy who raised me as a little kid."

"You mean... you didn't have any parents?" Lum gasped. Losing one parent was bad enough, but both of them? And at such a young age? She couldn't even begin to imagine where'd she'd be without her mother and father.

"Nope. I never even knew who they were or what they looked like." Goku shrugged absentmindedly.

Lum held a hand over her mouth. She floated close to Goku and hugged the side of his body. "I'm so sorry, Darling. That must have been hard for you."

Goku raised an eyebrow. "Nah, it wasn't. I may have not had a mom or dad like Bulma does, but Grandpa was always there for me. He taught me how to catch fish, how to survive in the woods, and, best of all, how to fight! I owe... everything to him, really."