~*****~

A few months pass by quickly, and the twins are nearly three years old. And they absolutely adore new baby Pan. "Auntie Mara, don't you think the girls want to play with someone bigger?" Videl asks sheepishly.

I glance over. "Well, Eschalot's really calmed down lately. And Elara hasn't changed at all." I explain with a shrug.

Videl hums as Eschalot waves a stuffed toy over Pan's head with a smile. Elara is twirling her fingers through Pan's hair without a care in the world. "Maybe she's embracing her Empathian genetics without all roughhousing going on in the house." Videl mentions.

"And that's a good thing!" Chi-Chi says loudly. "A young lady shouldn't be around all that fighting! They'll just become martial arts obsessed maniacs if they stayed around those good for nothing fools!"

I offered her a smile as Chi-Chi huffed and puffed in the kitchen. "I dunno, both Mars and Marble wanted to fight as soon as they could lift their heads. But I suppose that's because they're half Saiyans. Even the twins had a moment during the first few weeks of life where they used their tails to clock Vegeta in the head. Perhaps Pan will want to do other things, since she's just a quarter."

Videl hummed in response. "Should we have locked them out, though?" Videl asks meekly.

"Look, we just have to hold our ground until they see things our way, okay?" Chi-Chi mentions. Videl and I exchanged confused glances as Chi-Chi picks up Pan. "Though, maybe I'm speaking out of turn here. I haven't asked you how you want to raise Pan, have I?" Chi-Chi asks Videl after settling the infant in her arms. "I mean, what kind of future do you want for her? Just take your time and think about it. Whatever you choose, I'll be on your side."

"This... seems like a trap." I mention lightly. Elara giggles at my side as Eschalot climbs up onto my lap. "Although, neither Vegeta and I had to meet each other's parents, so.... Whatever you choose, Videl, and I'll back you up, too."

There's a knock on the door. "Hey, Chi-Chi, it's Bulma, can you open the door for me?" Chi-Chi was like a wild animal the way she unloaded all that stuff from the door, and then back on after tugging Bulma inside. Bulma quickly caves after Chi-Chi explained what had happened. "I know, right? The guys just don't get it." Bulma states through a mouthful of cookies. "They think they can do whatever they want. Drives me up a wall."

"You and Yamcha are fighting again, I see." I murmur lightly. Chi-Chi hums in agreement. "You know, I get that with Saiyan's children are expected to take care of themselves right off the bat, but that's just stupid. I mean, yeah, sure Vegeta was there when all my kids were born, but he barely lifted a finger with Mars, and he only stayed around for Marble when he realized that I might kill him if he didn't. I mean, I swear, I think he only really put his best foot forward with Elara and Eschalot."

Chi-Chi grunted. "Saiyans are clueless. They have no idea how much trouble we go through!"

"What do you think, Videl?" Bulma asks. "I know your daughter's part Saiyan, but how do you feel about her fighting? It's got to worry you, right?"

"It's hard to say. I grew up studying martial arts, and that's what drew me to Gohan." Videl explained. "It was fun for me, but I also liked books and dolls and all sorts of things, too. When it comes down to it, I guess I just want her to have all the options and grow up to be whatever she wants."

I chuckle. "Spoken like a loving mother." I mention softly. "Chi-Chi, I think Pan is gonna be just fine. Think of everything Gohan did as a boy and now he's a scholar! Even Goku got a regular job. It all works out!" Chi-Chi hums in thought. "I think when you marry a Saiyan, you have to let life unfold in a little different way. Take my idiot husband. He's training with Whis across the universe and I haven't seen him in six months!"

"VEGETA'S DOING WHAT?!" I hear Goku shout as he breaks through the wall. I shunt the toddlers upwards as I grasp onto the toppling table and fling it upwards, catching Goku in the face. He tumbles back. Elara and Eschalot land safely in my arms again before I hand them off to Chi-Chi and Bulma. I grasp onto his shirt and begin shaking him.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" I bellow at him. "THERE ARE THREE YOUNG KIDS IN HERE! YOU COULD'VE HURT ONE OF THEM!"

"But-- What-- About--Vegeta-- Training--" Goku manages through my shaking.

"Yeah, he's training with Whis." I retort irritably.

"How did that happen and why didn't anybody tell me, Mara!" Goku complained.

"You never asked!" I retort. "And it's not a big deal! Whis is just helping him reach a new level like you did!"

Goku lets out a scream. "He's been out training this whole time while I've been out farming?!"

I huff irritably and scrub at my head. "Did you think I lost all that weight and cut my hair because I had a husband at home?" I ask irritably. "He's been gone for six whole months training and I've been working and taking care of kids all by myself. If anything, this is a blessing in disguise! Even when he was around, I had no help! You should be proud of yourself for farming for your family instead of Mr. Sourpuss!" I exclaim. "NOW FIX THAT WALL! BEFORE I GIVE YOU WHAT FOR!"

~*****~

"Wow, this is nutso. I seriously can't believe Whis was actually Beerus' teacher all along." Krillen mentions after I explain everything.

"I'm guessing he likes to play his cards close to his chest." Videl hummed.

"It's common practice of great martial artists." Mr. Satan states. "And naturally I had my suspicions."

I grumble and give him the side eye. "All right, now I know for a fact you were this close to wetting yourself." I mention teasingly.

"You don't gotta be so harsh, Mara." Mr. Satan whimpered.

Videl laughed. "Gosh, I always loved watching you tease my dad, Auntie Mara."

I pinch her cheek like I did when she was younger. "So what's the plan, Mara?" Goku asked. "You're friends with Whis, so when's he coming back to Earth? I gotta make sure I talk to him the next time he's here so I can convince him to train me, too!"

I hum in thought. "Well, we got our nails done a couple of days ago. So I think it'll be a while." I shrug. "Based on the usual pattern, I would say it's gonna be about a month, or maybe two."

"Are you kidding me? I can't wait that long!" Goku complained. He grasped my shoulders. "Isn't there someway you can call him and tell him to come?!"

I glanced up at him, then down at his hands. "You better remove those hands, or you're gonna lose 'em." I explain softly. He snatched his hands away quickly, his face pale at my threat.

"You need to stop acting crazy, Goku." Chi-Chi admonished. "You broke through the walls of your sons house where your granddaughter is sleeping just because someone mentioned training? No!" She stamps her foot and Goku flinches. "I won't allow it!" Goku begins to whimper as she approaches him. She finally relents. "Oh, why am I even trying? You're hopeless!"

"Goku, wait!" Krillen tugs him down to whisper. "If Vegeta's on Beerus' world, then can't you just search for his energy? Once you lock onto his power, you can use your instant transmission, right?"

"Oh, yeah, I didn't think of that!" Goku retorted quietly. He presses his fingers against his forehead. After a moment he groans. "It's no use, I can't sense his energy. I think he's too far away. Guess all I can do now is wait."

I rolled my eyes and stood up. "I better get going. Marble and Mars should be finishing their evening lessons soon." I explain. "C'mon, girls."

Eschalot hops off the couch and sets her stuffed animal into Pan's lap. Chi-Chi coos in adoration as Eschalot hurries towards me. "Mommy, can we get dumplings?"

"Sweet ones!" Elara added enthusiastically.

I hum and grasp their hands. "Sure thing. See you guys!" I shout over my shoulder. I hear a chorus of goodbyes.

"Hey, Mara--" Goku calls as he catches up. "Can I stay at your place to wait for Whis?"

"Absolutely not. You can stay with your wife and ask occasionally." I mention irritably. "Try using the phone, and I swear if you pop into my house using instant transmission, I'll hurt you."

"Don't be so mean..." Goku whined. "Fine! I'll pop by normally!"

~*****~

The first time he shows up, I'm in the middle of preparing my models on what to expect on the next showcase. He hangs upside down on the large window behind me, and my models don't point him out until I ask why they're all staring at me as if I'm crazy.

The next time he appears, I'm fitting a dress to a mannequin, and it completely rips when I shriek in surprise.

The third time he appears, I'm just getting out of the shower-- and since I have a locked door, I don't have to worry about flashing my children when I get out, I tend to walk around naked until I dry off. And boy, did Goku get a whole show.

With a black eye, Goku gratefully accepts the cellphone I slap into his hands when I came all the way to his house. "I swear, if you come anywhere near me in the next few days, I will end up murdering you. Wait until I call you on this, do you understand?" I ask irritably. "NOW STOP BUGGING ME!"

"Are you sure you won't forget to call me?" Goku asks meekly.

"WHO DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?!" I shout at him.

"Why are you giving Goku a phone?" Chi-Chi asks out of nowhere.

"Don't worry, I can explain." I say.

But damn, did Goku have the quick retorts. "It's for Pan, actually!" Goku says nervously. "Mara wants to throw a giant surprise party for her without Gohan or Videl finding out. Yeah! And this is to help us plan it!"

Chi-Chi scrutinizes us for a moment before beaming. "Oh, that's great!" She chirps. "You're finally taking your grandpa job seriously!"

"Yes, exactly!" Goku says nervously.

"That's right, he's a changed man!" I exclaim in an enthusiastic tone. "Look, I gotta go, but I gotta tell Goku something about the party planning real quick, and it really is supposed to be hushity-hush, and I know how much you love Gohan, it might just slip." I explain sheepishly.

"Oh, don't worry about me! I never heard a thing!" She chirped before walking back into the kitchen.

"You never talked to her about training?!" I hiss as quietly as I could. "If you leave out of nowhere, she's going to kill me!"

"Kill you! She'll probably kill me!" Goku retorted. "I tried talking to her about it, but it didn't go too well!"

"You're hopeless!" I hiss before stalking out of the house.

~*****~

When Whis did drop by, I originally had a whole menu planned out for him, and I was genuinely excited to show it to him, but I doubt Goku would wait that long-- even if food was offered. "I know how much you love my cooking, so I started dabbling with some new recipes and I'm happy to say that they turned out really well!" I explain happily as I walk with Whis across the garden, towards the house.

"HEY, WHIS! WHIS!" Goku's voice bellows. "WHIS! Hi there!" Goku chirps as he lands in front of us.

"Greetings, Goku. What a surprise. Long time no see." Whis hums.

"I heard a rumor that Vegeta's been training on your world, is that true?" Goku asked excitedly.

Whis glanced at me and I sighed. "Look, when Goku hears the word training, he turns into a freakin' blood hound until he finds the source." I explain sheepishly.

"That's correct. The Saiyan Prince introduced me to his wife's unbelievably delicious cuisine, so I practically had no choice." Whis explained.

"That's great! While you're at it, would you mind training me, too?!" Goku asks. "I wanna become as powerful as Lord Beerus. It's all I can think about! I beg you. I'll do whatever it takes! Please be my teacher!"

"I don't see why not." Whis hums after a beat of silence.

"Wow, you mean it?!" Goku exclaims happily.

"Of course. I have been thinking this was about the right time to do it, anyway." Whis explained.

I hum in confusion and gaze up at Whis. "So this isn't a joke, you'll train me?"

"I will."

"All right! Let's go!" Goku exclaims. "I don't want to waste anymore time!"

"Sorry, Goku, I'm afraid you have to wait." Whis explained. Goku glanced back in surprise. "You don't expect me to cancel my lunch plans with Mara, do you? That is the whole reason I made this journey to earth, after all."

Goku laughed. "Oh, yeah, sorry. I just got excited. You guys have a great lunch and enjoy yourselves, and I'll wait right here 'til you get back." Goku beams. "Take all the time you need!"

"How generous of him." Whis hums.

"Certainly better behaved than my sourpuss of a husband, wouldn't you say?" I ask with a laugh. Whis laughs as we stroll into my house. "So, what did you mean it was about the right time?" I ask curiously.

"I don't know, did I mention that?" Whis asked.

"You can't weasel your way your way out of this, Whis." I laugh. "But I'll forgive you if you'll take this to my husband." I mention as I hold out a small envelope. "Tell him they're divorce papers, but it's actually a naked picture of myself."

Whis giggled. "How scandalous!"

Needless to say, Chi-Chi did eventually find out about Goku going to train, and in a strange turn of events, he actually manages to evade Chi-Chi and left with Whis. And I ended up actually in charge of planning an actual party for Pan.