The Night Before

Chi Chi clinged tightly to Goku as the clock continued to progress until morning. Despite Goku's confident aura, she sensed insecurity about the upcoming conflict with Cell that only she would recognize. When Goku is confident, he doesn't spout off clichés such as "don't worry about," or "you're going to get gray hair soon if you keep thinking like that." When he's confident, he just goes and takes care of business. She had been apprehensive to ask him for this past week about what's really going on in his head. Seeing as that he would leave tomorrow with Gohan and Piccolo, she decided to make her move now-especially considering they had been intimate only an hour ago. It was picking season.

As Chi Chi caressed Goku's chest, she worked her voice box: "Goku? Are you awake."

"Hmm. Yes."

"Goku, I am going to ask you something and I need you to be perfectly honest with me, if you won't be with anyone else. I am your wife after all."

"Go ahead and shoot," Goku replied with a groggy voice.

"You don't really believe you can beat Cell, do you?"

Upon hearing this, Goku's eyes shot open. Chi Chi could feel his heart rate elevate rapidly.

After about thirty seconds of awkward silence, Goku finally had to some words to offer, "As I've said to everyone else Chi, I don't know. But that doesn't mean I won't win. I wasn't sure I would beat King Piccolo as a teenager, or Vegeta when he first came here, and I especially wasn't certain I'd defeat Frieza. Despite me always projecting confidence, I can never tell against powerful opponents; but I try to remain positive to ease everyone's nerves and boosts their spirits."

"I get that, dear. I've seen it since we were kids against the Red Ribbon Army. But this time you've been acting so blaze about the entire thing, I'm wondering if you might think your death is imminent. Even you are usually more serious than this when it comes to a big fight and defending the Earth."

Goku felt cornered in his mind. It appeared Chi Chi had figured him out, which shouldn't be that surprising considering the strength of Saiyan mating bonds. Realizing this, Goku explained, "You're right. I am bracing for death. I'm not positive I'll lose to Cell; but I think it's much more likely he will defeat me. Even when I fought Frieza before I transformed into a Super Saiyan, I was more confident than I am now; but that's because I didn't know what I was getting into. With Cell, I've already tested his power. I have a strong sense that I cannot win, and neither Vegeta nor Trunks have the power to either."

"I knew it…" Chi Chi replied quietly.

At a loss for words, Goku hugged Chi Chi's waist tightly. If there was anyone he should be honest to, it's her. So in this respect, he knew he was being honest. He could not defeat Cell. However, he would have to be dishonest in omitting the fact that Chi Chi's baby boy would be the one to win the battle.

"So should I expect to see you return home tomorrow?" Chi Chi asked with tears welling in her eyes.

"Like I said Chi, I'm not sure." Goku earnestly replied as he felt her bare body for what he believed would be a last time.

"Please tell me Gohan won't be involved." Chi Chi stated, now with full blown tears.

"No, Gohan will be there as a spectator to learn and will only jump in if there's an emergency." Goku knew he was lying through his teeth on this one; but the truth would send Chi Chi into a coma.

"Goku, you have to promise to make sure our boy is safe…"

Knowing he couldn't promise that, Goku pretended to have nodded off to avoid the question.

"I know you're not actually sleeping. I'll get it out of you before you leave tomorrow." Chi Chi stated with her more typical stern resolve.