Dragon Ball:Vados is my Wife

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling registration office of the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. The site was packed with hopeful contestants, eager to prove their strength. There were warriors of all kinds—experienced fighters, rookie challengers, and even those with no fighting experience at all, simply wanting to see what it was like to be part of such a legendary event. But for Kahn, it was more of a backdrop to something far more important: the presence of his family.

Rados, his daughter, was practically bursting with excitement. At only six years old, she had grown into a beautiful and confident young girl, nearly the spitting image of Kahn and Vados. Her long, lilac-colored hair shimmered as she bounced from foot to foot, practically jumping in place at the sight of the huge crowd. Despite her age, her grace and athleticism had already become undeniable. It was clear she had inherited the best traits of both parents.

Kahn's heart swelled with pride as he watched her, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over him. He remembered when he first started training—the struggles, the victories, and everything in between. He never imagined he'd find himself at this point, guiding his daughter, watching her take her first steps into a world he had once dominated.

He chuckled to himself. Where has the time gone?

"Isn't it exciting, Dad?" Rados asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She looked up at Kahn, her words full of childlike wonder. "Look at all the people! This is going to be so much fun!"

Kahn nodded, though he felt a slight hesitation. "You sure about this? There are a lot of strong fighters here, you know. I wouldn't want you getting in over your head."

Rados gave him a playful pout and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I'm not a little kid anymore, Dad. I'm ready to take them all on! Besides, I just want to see if I can challenge you. You know... see how strong I really am."

Kahn raised an eyebrow at her, his face softening. It was clear that Rados wasn't just interested in the tournament for the fun of it. No, she wanted to prove something to herself—something to her father.

She had always admired him, of course. He was a legend in his own right, someone she looked up to with all the reverence of a daughter toward her father. But deep down, she wanted to challenge that. She wanted to carve out her own path, separate from the shadow of Kahn's reputation.

I see what you're doing, kid, Kahn thought with a quiet smile. She might be young, but she was clever, and she had that same fierce determination that he once had.

Kahn switched from his usual warm, affectionate demeanor to a more serious tone. "You're still just a kid, Rados. You might be strong, but I'm not going to go easy on you. If you want to challenge me, you better be prepared for the consequences."

Rados stuck out her tongue playfully. "I'll be fine, Dad! I'll make sure not to cry when you beat me."

Kahn chuckled, his heart lightening at her confidence. Despite his strict words, he couldn't help but feel a rush of pride. She's already so strong. I just hope she understands what it means to be truly strong...

Before Kahn could say more, the cheerful voice of Son Goku cut through the noise of the crowd. "Kahn! Over here!"

Kahn looked up to see Goku, grinning ear to ear, with Son Gohan walking beside him. The sight of Goku brought back so many memories—the battles, the victories, and the countless laughs. Over the years, their rivalry had blossomed into something more—an unspoken camaraderie that only two warriors could truly understand. And now, seeing his old friend again, Kahn felt a warmth in his chest.

"Goku! Gohan! Good to see you both," Kahn called out, waving them over.

Rados waved eagerly as well. "Goku Uncle! Gohan Big Brother!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing in place.

Son Goku grinned down at her. "You're growing up fast, Rados! Getting ready to kick some butt, huh?"

Rados beamed at him. "You bet! But I'm not just here to win. I want to see if I can beat Dad."

Goku laughed heartily, his eyes sparkling with that ever-present sense of childlike wonder. "Ha! You're definitely going to give him a run for his money, huh? He's tough, though. Don't let him trick you!"

Son Gohan stepped forward, his usual gentle demeanor radiating from him. He looked at Rados with a soft smile. "I'm sure you'll do great, Rados. Just... don't hurt me too bad if we spar, alright?"

Rados giggled mischievously. "Don't worry, Gohan. I'll go easy on you!"

As they continued to chat, Kahn's eyes were drawn to a familiar trio in the corner of the room. His gaze settled on Android 18, who stood apart from the others. Her blonde hair, which used to shine with a cold, unfeeling edge, now seemed softer. There was a warmth in her expression, but it was fleeting—flickering like a candle caught in the wind. Her demeanor was calm, but Kahn knew her well enough to see the subtle shift in her posture. She was aware of him, just as he was aware of her.

Their past was complicated, full of strife and tension. But time had passed, and Kahn had moved forward—focusing on his family, his life, his peace. He had long since forgiven her, but he couldn't shake the sense of unfinished business that hung between them. Their brief but intense history loomed in the air, a silent weight neither of them had ever fully addressed.

Kahn turned his head slightly as he watched Android 18's interaction with Android 17, who was whispering something to her. His heart skipped a beat when he realized they were heading straight toward him.

"Dad, who are they?" Rados asked, noticing his gaze. Her voice was innocent, but Kahn detected the curiosity behind it.

"They're old... acquaintances," Kahn replied, his voice unusually distant. "People I've met along the way. But don't worry about them, alright?"

Rados, sensing the subtle shift in her father's mood, simply nodded. She had learned by now that when her father got quiet like this, it was best to let him have his space.

The trio approached, and Android 17, with his usual calm demeanor, spoke first. "Mr. Kahn, it's been a while," he said, giving Kahn a respectful nod.

Kahn returned the gesture, his expression softening slightly. "It has been a while, hasn't it?" He turned his attention to 18, and for a moment, their eyes met. A strange, almost electric tension passed between them. Kahn's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest as he took in her changed appearance.

She looks the same... but different. He wondered if she felt the same unease, the same unspoken history between them. Has she forgiven me for what happened?

Without breaking the silence, 17 continued, "I'm sure you've heard that we're here for the prize money, like most people. But... 18 is more interested in proving something."

Kahn didn't take the bait. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and spoke to 18 directly. "Proving something? What's that, 18?"

She seemed to hesitate for a moment before replying, her voice softer than before. "I'm not here for the money... but I'm also not here to let my past define me. I'm here to see what I'm really capable of. And... maybe to see you again."

Kahn studied her face, the raw honesty in her eyes. He didn't know what to say—how to respond to the emotion that flickered in the air between them.

"Well," he said after a long pause, his voice calm but filled with a quiet understanding. "Let's see if you can still pack a punch, 18. Show me what you've got."

A silent agreement passed between them. The years had softened them both, but the past was still there, hanging in the air. And for Kahn, this tournament had become something far more than a simple fight for the top spot. It was a chance to face the past, confront unspoken feelings, and come to terms with the choices that had shaped him. For better or worse, it was all coming to a head.

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(A/N: Throw your power stones and comment on this book, please! It will motivate me!)