AN: Sorry for the long, long delay to my update. With the holidays, a little writer's block and personal projects I'm doing, I got a little behind on this one. The next update won't take this long. Thank you for your support and reviews. It's much appreciated.

Life With You

Part Twenty-Nine:

Family Ties: Part One

With Gohan gone with Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha and Krillin to find Cell, ChiChi headed upstairs to be with Goku. She hoped she made the right decision. Part of ChiChi wished she hadn't given her blessing but another part of her knew this was the right decision. She couldn't hold Gohan back. He needed this experience because she vowed her Gohan will survive these Artificial Humans and Cell.

Just as she reached the top step, the entire house shook. ChiChi gripped the banister to keep on her feet. What was that?

"ChiChi," Master Roshi called from the bottom of the steps. Master Roshi was halfway up the stairs when the shaking stopped. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine but—" she gasped. "Goku!" ChiChi rushed to the bedroom and pushed the door open. Goku was gone. "Goku?" ChiChi noticed the open window.

Master Roshi entered as ChiChi reached the window. "Where's Goku?" He joined ChiChi, mirroring the same shock ChiChi wore on her face at what they were both seeing.

Goku stood on the beach watching the waters part from his Kamehameha Wave. ChiChi's eyes watered at the visual of her husband. He was awake! He was alive! "Goku!" ChiChi screamed. She climbed out the window and easily leapt to the ground just as Goku released another Kamehameha Wave. Master Roshi miscalculated his jump and landed head first into the ground.

Not good, Goku thought. The waves were impressive but not as big as he expected them to be. Guess I'm still rusty after being knocked out by that virus.

"Goku!"

Goku turned at the voice of his happy wife. "ChiChi!" ChiChi jumped in his arms and wrapped herself around his body. Goku's arms circled around ChiChi. "Sorry, I worried you, ChiChi. I'm better now."

ChiChi removed her face from his chest. Happy tears flowed from her eyes. "Are you sure?"

"See for yourself!" Goku picked up ChiChi and spun her. Her joyous laughs struck a cord with him. How long has it been since he and ChiChi were so playful? Too long he sadly realized. Maybe after all this fighting is over, they can be-

Whoops!

ChiChi suddenly flew from his arms and soared in the air. "Put too much strength in that." Goku held his arms open as ChiChi fell back in them. "Sorry. Sorry," Goku apologized. ChiChi hugged him. She was so happy her husband was alive she couldn't resist kissing him.

Three days Goku heard ChiChi's words of support and felt ChiChi's lips on his forehead and lips. It felt good to reciprocate and kiss her back.

"Goku!"

Goku ended the kiss and placed ChiChi back on her feet as Master Roshi approach. "Impressive wave, Goku. You haven't lost a step."

Master Roshi thought his wave was impressive but Goku saw flaws. "Guess it's proof I'm completely over my virus. I heard everyone talking while I slept. Things have gotten pretty bad again but I'm ready to get back in the fight."

"What?" Master Roshi thought the wave was impressive but he didn't think Goku was ready to fight. "You don't think you're that well, do you, Goku?"

"You can't do this," ChiChi told him. "You just got over the heart virus. Your body still needs to recover."

"I'm fine, ChiChi. The medicine healed me. Besides, something terrible is happening again."

"I don't care about that!" ChiChi yelled. Only her husband can make her happy one minute and angry the next. "You can't fight again so soon! You'll die!"

He knew that. "I ain't gonna fight now. If Vegeta can't win, I can't either." But Goku knew a way. "I'm gonna transcend Super Saiyan."

"Transcend Super Saiyan? Is that possible?" Master Roshi never saw Goku in his Super Saiyan form. Goku never visit since his return from space but hearing Krillin's description of it, Master Roshi knew Super Saiyan was impressive.

"I won't know if I don't try," Goku walked towards the house. "With those Artificial Humans and Cell around, I need to act now."

ChiChi grabbed Goku's hand, stopping him. She wanted to talk to him alone and waited for Master Roshi to enter his home before speaking. "Goku," ChiChi pleaded. "See Dr. Sims before you do anything. He wants to see you once you've awaken. Let him exam you before you start training again."

Goku shook his head. "There ain't time for that. I have to start training now."

Goku resumed walking again but ChiChi put a firm hand on his chest, stopping him. "Goku, I don't care what you say. I don't care how you think you feel but there's no way in hell you're ready to train to again. I've been by your side for three days. I remember every scream; every time you clutched your chest. It was like watching you have a heart attack. People don't jump back to their regular routine after what you went though. You ease back into it!"

"Didn't you see my waves? That's proof I'm fine and ready to go back to my regular routine." It wasn't but Goku hoped to convince ChiChi as he did Master Roshi. "Besides, I'm awake earlier than expected. Trunks thought I'd sleep ten days. I heard Dr. Sims say I will wake up in five days. I woke up in three."

ChiChi wouldn't budge. "You didn't take your medicine as soon as the virus affected you. There could be some damage that's not noticeable. Please," ChiChi begged. "Let Dr. Sims exam you."

"ChiChi, trust me. I feel fine."

Trust him. When he said that, ChiChi knew that was Goku's way of begging her to accept his decision. He wasn't changing his mind. Goku usually did what ChiChi wanted but there were times where he put his foot down. ChiChi wished this wasn't one of them. Her eyes watered again. "I almost lost you. I don't want you to die."

Goku gripped ChiChi's shoulders gently. "ChiChi, I have to do this. I have to leave. Those Artificial Humans are still hunting for me. Dr. Gero's watched me for years. He knows where I live and when 17 and 18 see I'm not home, they're gonna come here, Gyu-Mao's village or Bulma's home looking for me."

ChiChi gasped. She hadn't thought of where 17 and 18 will go when they didn't find Goku home. She never considered her father or his people could be in danger. More tears pooled from her eyes. Goku was right. He had to leave.

From the window, Master Roshi witnessed the tense exchange between Goku and ChiChi. Master Roshi never thought this depth lied between them. When the couple returned, ChiChi wiped away her tears as Goku solemnly dressed. Master Roshi understood Goku's desire to fight but he doubted Goku was truly ready.

"Goku, is it possible to transcend Super Saiyan?"

"I dunno," Goku was honest, "but there's no other way I can win. I'll train for a year and give up if that's not enough."

Give up? Those were words Master Roshi never thought he would hear from Goku. "You can't give up. You're our only hope and what do you mean a year? With those Artificial Humans and Cell killing hundreds of people every day, we won't have a year."

Master Roshi panicked but Goku kept his cool. "There's a place where I can spend a whole year in a day."

"What?" Master Roshi never heard of such place. "What kind of place is that?"

ChiChi wondered herself until she remembered a conversation she had with Goku the day after they married.

"At Kami's Temple, there's a room. You can't hear anything outside the room. You can spend a year in the room while a day passes out here. You can lose track of time and space is endless."

"Endless?"

"Mr. Popo said the room is a big as Earth. There are beds, a bath and a room for food but the training area is nothing but white space. That's all you see and the only sound is your own voice. If you go too far, you can get lost and lose your way back. You can die out there."

ChiChi imagined the room. It could be a good place for meditation and intense training for a few days but doing it for a year would be torturous on the mind and body. "How old were you when you went in that room?"

"Sixteen. I… I didn't stay a day. Funny, I spent years alone on Mount Paouz and traveled the world alone, but in that room….when I was truly alone, I couldn't do it. It was torture."

He didn't say it but somehow ChiChi knew. "You almost died in that room. Didn't you?"

ChiChi knew about Goku's ordeal in that room. For Goku to want to go back there, he must be desperate. Not once in these three years has Goku ever considered going there as an option in training for the Artificial Humans. "You almost died the last time you were in that room. You told me you weren't going back unless you had a partner."

Goku was happy ChiChi remembered their talk. He hoped ChiChi will accept the partner he wanted to bring with him. "ChiChi, can I take Gohan with me?"

Uh-oh. Amazing how fast ChiChi's face changed from worry to anger. She knew what he wanted and she wasn't going to agree to it. "Not… on your life." Figures. Goku wondered what he could say to convince ChiChi he needed to bring Gohan with him but she surprised him again by smiling. "At least that would be my first reaction but I know it's pointless to stop you. I'll have to give in…."

"ChiChi!" Goku was stunned. ChiChi wasn't fighting him on this. She freely gave her blessing for him to take Gohan in the Room of Spirit of Time. Was this woman really his wife? What happened to her while he slept?

ChiChi playfully jabbed Goku's chin, "But you have to promise me to make Gohan as strong as you can while you're at it."

"I will," Goku promised. He couldn't believe this. ChiChi gave her blessing to take Gohan in the Room of Spirit of Time and she wanted him to make Gohan as strong as he can be!

"But," ChiChi added, "once this fight is over, I won't let you interfere in Gohan's studies again and I want you to get a job."

Ah. He knew there was a catch. Goku was fine with that. If he helps Gohan be as strong as he can be, there's no reason to interfere in his studying except for the occasional spar. ChiChi will have to let them do that. As for working, Goku wanted to do this for ChiChi. ChiChi sacrificed so much for him and Gohan. She let Piccolo live with them for three years. She agreed to hold off expanding their family for three years. She accepted he wouldn't work for three years and Gohan's educational career had to be put on hold. It took suffering from this heart virus for Goku to realize he and ChiChi put their family life off for others for years. After dealing with Cell and the Artificial Humans, peace should return to Earth and they can finally focus on their family again. ChiChi wanted this but Goku did, too.

"Okay," Goku agreed. "Thanks." Goku glanced over at Master Roshi. He kept looking at them. "Well, I'm off." Master Roshi stood by the door. Goku hoped Master Roshi would leave and give him a moment alone with his wife but the old pervert wasn't leaving. Goku looked at ChiChi again. He won't see her for a year. It will be a day to her but it'll be a year to him and after coming back from the brink of the death….that was too long to be away from ChiChi without a proper goodbye.

Goku grasped ChiChi's shoulders and pressed a kiss upon her lips. They've kissed before others but it was rare and always around their family and friends from ChiChi's village. It never happened in front of his friends. Reluctantly, Goku pulled away with the taste of ChiChi's lips and scent implanted in his mind. He turned away, pressed his fingers to his forehead and felt for Gohan's Ki. Finding his son, Goku looked at ChiChi one more time and disappeared.

After greeting his friends and telling the newly merge Kami and Piccolo his idea, Goku and Gohan teleported to Trunks. He found the young man sitting down, staring at Vegeta from a distance in a mountainous area. Vegeta stood on the edge of a cliff staring off in space.

"Goku!" Trunks rose surprised to see him. "You're awake already?"

"Yep." Goku patted his chest. "The virus only knocked me down for three days. How's the training going?"

"It's no use," Trunks was defeated. Three days he tried reaching out to Vegeta to train and three days he was rejected. "My father looks at me as a mistake. He's been standing there for three days."

Some training. "Ah, he's starting to see beyond Super Saiyan power. He's a genius all right." His sly smile went unnoticed by Trunks and Gohan. "I'll talk to him." Goku flew the short distance landing a few feet behind Vegeta.

"You're in my way, Kakarrot. Get lost."

"I hate to interrupt your three days of staring off in space training." Goku waited for what will happen in three… two…..

"Don't you fucking mock me!" Vegeta scolded Goku. "Your dumbass didn't take your medicine when you started to get sick!"

"True," Goku admitted with a sly smile, "but I guess it was a good thing since I didn't have my three years of training blow up in my face." Vegeta whirled around at that sly remark. Goku chewed the inside of his mouth to not laugh at the scowl on Vegeta's face. "Oh, stop being grumpy. I know a great place for us to train. There's a room at Kami's Temple where you can spend a whole year in a day." The scowl faded. He had Vegeta's attention.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You don't have to train with me but it's set up for two people. I'm going with Gohan so you'll have to go with Trunks."

Vegeta was suspicious again. "It has to be two people? Are you lying to me?"

"Vegeta, I tried it myself as a kid. I only lasted thirty days. With Gohan, we can last a year."

"Hmph," Vegeta smirked as he crossed his arms. "You were too weak to last a year. I can do it alone."

"You can try, but I wouldn't recommend it."

Vegeta glared at Goku as if mentally considering going in the room alone. As much as he hated Goku, he couldn't deny his drive and strength as a fighter. If that room was too much for him….. "Fine," Vegeta conceded, "But we'll go in first. Got that?"

"Sure." Goku expected Vegeta to go first. It also benefited him. An extra day will get his body prepared for the Room of Spirit and Time. Goku walked back to Gohan and Trunks. "We'll get to Kami's Temple faster if we teleport. Hold hands." Goku held Gohan's hand. Gohan held his father and Trunks' hands. Trunks held his hand out to Vegeta who scoffed and put his hand on Trunks' shoulder.

In seconds, they arrived on Kami's Temple where Mr. Popo was the only residence. After an explanation of why they were there, Mr. Popo led them to the Room of Spirit and Time. Vegeta eyed Goku skeptically. Why was he helping him? For three days, he stared into space with no plan but only a desire to kill the Artificial Humans and Cell. He had no idea how to surpass Super Saiyan. His rival appears with an idea and offers to include him. If Vegeta knew how to surpass the level of Super Saiyan, he would never tell Goku.

Has Kakarrot forgotten my goal is to kill him? Why is he treating me like I'm his ally? Vegeta couldn't go in that room without knowing the truth. "Kakarrot, why are you suggesting I do this, too? My eventual goal is to kill you. You're only accelerating your death at my hands."

"I'll risk it," Goku grinned much to Vegeta's ire. "We probably can't beat this enemy alone. I'm sure you know that, too."

True. Vegeta was confident he can defeat the Artificial Humans by himself until his embarrassing fight against 18. That female cut his pride deeply. She was on his list right after Goku. "Heh. There goes your soft heart again. You will regret this, Kakarrot."

"Thanks for letting us go first, Goku." Unlike his father, Trunks wanted Goku to know he appreciated Goku's generosity.

"Good luck and try to get along." Trunks didn't look enthused as he followed Vegeta into the Room of Spirit and Time.

Following the loud clang of the shut door, Goku diverted his attention to his depleted stomach. "Mr. Popo, do you have any food here? I'm starving."

"Of course, Goku. It is always stocked with food. I've been preparing for your return since Kami merged with Piccolo."

Goku frowned knowing why Mr. Popo awaited his return. Did Kami have to tell him that, too? Goku and Gohan followed Mr. Popo down the hall but as soon as Mr. Popo turned a corner, Gohan wrapped his arms around Goku's waist and hugged him tight. Goku heard Gohan sniffling as his son cried. Goku patted Gohan's head gently.

"Must've been scary to see your Pops so weak, huh?" Gohan nodded against him. "Sorry about that, Gohan. It won't happen again."

Gohan sniffed. "I don't know what I will do if you died again, Dad."

Goku patted Gohan's back. "Well, you don't have to worry about that. I'm here."

After consoling his son, Goku and Gohan joined Mr. Popo in the dining area. There, Goku caught up on three days of missed meals. Several empty plates later, Goku rubbed his full stomach.

Mr. Popo took some of Goku's plates off the table. He chuckled at the volume of dishes. "Been many years but Mr. Popo remembers your stomach. If only you stayed, Goku. It wouldn't be so lonely now that Kami is gone."

Ten years ago, Goku turned down Kami's offer to be God of Earth. When he left this place, he didn't think he will return. Goku didn't want to be back. This place was boring and he didn't like his experience in the Room of Spirit and Time. Now he was taking Gohan there but this time, Goku was older and more experienced. They will survive the room together.

"Dad? Dad?"

Gohan's voice pulled Goku from his thoughts. "Hmm?"

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine… just…" Goku paused carefully choosing his words. "Let me show you around. It's where I lived before I married Mom."

Happily, Gohan followed his father. "I always wanted to see this place since that one time we came to see Kami."

Goku remembered. When he returned from space, ChiChi told him Gohan's tail grew back. It was her decision to keep that fact hidden from everyone until it was permanently handled. Goku agreed Gohan's tail needed to be permanently removed. So, he took his family to see Kami.

The procedure was quick but not painless. Gohan laid on his stomach unable to feel anything from the waist down. ChiChi tenderly stroke Gohan's hair quietly assuring him this had to be done. Goku stood beside Kami arms crossed remembering the pain he felt when Kami removed his tail.

"Goku," Kami addressed him. "A word."

Goku stepped out of the room with Kami. He stood by the door waiting for Kami to speak while keeping an eye on his family.

"You could've stayed here." Kami's cane tapped the marble floor of his palace as he paced. "I once said you and your wife can live here."

Goku's eyes rolled. That's why Kami wanted to talk? Was he still upset with his decision? "I told you it's boring here. If it wasn't for Mr. Popo's training, I never would've stayed here."

"You could've brought your wife here," Kami repeated. "You wouldn't have been alone." That explanation didn't satisfy Goku. "I would've prepared you. It would've been years before you officially took over as Kami." Goku huffed his displeasure. "Do you ever regret saying no?"

"Nope."

Kami shook his head. That same rebellious attitude. Kami knew Goku's response but he spoke anyway, "You can still be Kami, Goku. You and your family can live here."

Now Goku was annoyed. Why was Kami insistent he take over? "Why do you want this so badly?"

"Goku, I cannot be Kami forever. This world needs a Guardian. It needs dragon balls. My time will come to an end here. I don't want to leave this planet without a Guardian."

"I'm suppose to be dead six months before the Artificial Humans arrive, Kami."

"You have that medicine. You will survive. There isn't a guarantee Piccolo will. The world needs dragon balls and it's too dangerous for me to be Guardian."

"Then the Guardian shouldn't be someone who fights." Goku flashed a cocky grin. He was right and Kami knew it. "I can't do it."

"Be in denial if you wish, Goku, but you know I'm right. I've been Kami for centuries. There have been skirmishes and threats like King Piccolo's first regime but after that evil, the world saw a longevity of peace. Not this time. In the past decade, there have been constant threats towards Earth; each greater than the last. Because of my ties to Piccolo, my death is more imminent and it puts the Earth at risk. I cannot be Kami anymore. I fear it won't be until my death you realize that."

Walking the sacred temple without Kami, Goku finally understood. The place felt hollow and empty without him. Kami was the first sacrifice and it was a big one. Without him, there were no more dragon balls and no way to undo the damage done to Earth. So many people have died and will die until the threat of the Artificial Humans and Cell are gone.

This left Goku thinking of the day he and ChiChi visited the memorial in East City.

At the entrance of the memorial there were statues of people in grief; statues of people pointing upward at the supposed meteors that destroyed the city. On one wall, an artist created a mural of the city seconds before its destruction. There was a memorial pool in the center as ChiChi said. Little children stuck their hands in the water, giggling at how water spurted from the fountain. Looking away from the children, Goku noticed marbled walls all around the memorial with people looking and touching. Stepping to one, Goku realized what the people were looking at.

Names. Names of the dead. There were so many one wall; maybe thousands.

Goku put his hand on a wall, feeling the names etched in the marble. "All these people were killed by Vegeta and Nappa."

ChiChi took Goku's hand and led him to one specific wall. "When I came here with Gohan, I started remembering people we met like that teenager who gave Gohan his hat after it was knocked off by the wind and….." ChiChi placed her hand on the wall. "People we knew."

Goku hadn't forgotten that trip to East City and all the names of the dead at the memorial.

Those people can never come back. Will it be the same for all those killed by the Artificial Humans and Cell, too?

The next day Goku woke up feeling stronger. He was excited Vegeta and Trunks will emerge from the Room of Spirit and Time and he and Gohan will go in. However, hours before they were expected to emerge, Goku felt a change in the Earth below.

Piccolo's power suddenly increased. He didn't feel any Ki near him so he knew the Artificial Humans were his opponents. A little farther away Goku felt the Ki of his friends and ChiChi. So, they did go to Master Roshi's house next as he suspected. Waiting for Vegeta and Trunks to emerge and stopping Gohan to help Piccolo left Goku's hands tied and his patience wearing thin.

What the hell is taking Vegeta so long? Did he really need the whole year to surpass Super Saiyan? Was it even possible? Or has he surpassed it but he's using the whole year to get as strong as possible just to be ahead of me?

"Dad!"

"I know, Gohan. I feel Cell, too. He's on his way to Piccolo and the Artificial Humans." Things were going from bad to worse. "Cell's stronger. He's killed more people."

Goku also felt Tien fly to where Piccolo and the Artificial Humans were and Krillin fly in the opposite direction. Where was he going?

"At least Piccolo's getting some help." Goku clenched his fists. He wanted to be down there helping his friends. He hated waiting and feeling helpless. Is this what my friends feel when they are waiting on me to join the fight? How can they stand it?

"But what if it's not enough, Dad?" Gohan asked. "If Tien can't help and Cell absorbs the Artificial Humans, everyone will die. Mr. Piccolo will die and so will Mom."

That wouldn't happen but with the way things are going, Goku wished he took ChiChi with him yesterday. "Piccolo is stronger now that he's merged with Kami and Vegeta and Trunks' time are almost up."

Gohan kept his father's faith until he and Goku felt Piccolo's Ki fade. From Kami's Temple, it felt as if Piccolo died. Gohan dropped to his knees and wailed Piccolo's name while Goku was shell shocked. All that power from Piccolo wasn't enough to stop Cell.

Kami. Piccolo. Another sacrifice. We can't undo any of this!

With him, Gohan, Vegeta and Trunks here, Piccolo was Earth's only line of defense. Tien stepped in to fight after Piccolo fell but Goku knew Tien couldn't hold off Cell. He couldn't either. Going down to fight meant his death but he had to do something. Goku considered his options when he felt an explosive rise of Ki from Cell.

Cell's Ki has grown all of a sudden. He must've absorbed 17 or 18. Damn, Vegeta. What's taking so long?!

Tien was brave to fight Cell but Goku knew it was a suicide mission. He used his Ki-Ko-Ho to hold down Cell. Each time he used it, his own Ki dropped. If Tien kept it up, he will die and Goku could not accept that.

Disappearing, Goku returned to the lower realm of Earth. He couldn't defeat Cell but since he had Saiyan blood in him, Goku decided to manipulate Cell the way Freeza manipulated him on Namek. He appeased to the competitive Saiyan blood in Cell and told him he'll be ready to fight him in a day and to not kill anyone else. Back in the lower realm, Goku discovered Piccolo wasn't dead. His Ki was too low to be detected on Kami's Temple. Goku left Cell to retrieve Piccolo and Tien. Though tempted to wait, Cell wasn't letting Goku leave without a fight. He moved to attack him but Goku teleported before Cell reached him.

"Gohan, get senzu beans for Piccolo and Tien!"

While Gohan rushed off to get the senzu beans, Goku followed Cell's Ki. Cell flew opposite from Master Roshi's island. Cell must be tracking the other Artificial Human. ChiChi's safe for now but it's still dangerous down there. Maybe I better teleport down and-

Mr. Popo ran from the palace. "Vegeta and Trunks just came out!"

Feeling the large Ki from Vegeta and Trunks, Goku had confidence one of them will kill Cell or hold him off until he and Gohan emerge from the Room of Spirit and Time. The room was good for Vegeta and Trunks. It bolstered both men's confidence. While Trunks' confidence was subtle, Vegeta was blatantly obvious. Goku hoped it didn't backfire on all of them. Cell was very shrewd and with DNA that included him, Vegeta, Freeza and King Cold, Cell was more dangerous than anyone Goku has ever faced. He could easily tap into their weaknesses and outwit them despite not being the strongest.

At the same time of Vegeta and Trunks' emergence, Bulma arrived with armor for everyone. Bulma was pleased to see Goku alive and looking well. It meant this fight against the Artificial Humans and Cell was almost over. Goku was back and as usual, he'll take care of things. She observed Goku as he and Gohan undressed and put on the armor worn by Vegeta. Her eyes roamed over the ripple of muscles on Goku's chest and back and noticed how the armor fit his body.

He looked good in it, too.

Remembering her talk with ChiChi, Bulma turned away from Goku and approached Vegeta. Things were rocky between them since her pregnancy. Sometimes they went days without talking or seeing each other. It got worse when Vegeta moved out not long after Trunks' birth. She was mad at Vegeta but furious with her father for helping him.

"Vegeta needs time away to focus on these Artificial Humans," her father told her. "I set him up in one of our vacation homes on his word he'll come by."

Bulma could count on one hand the number of times Vegeta visited in the last year. Each time, he stayed less than an hour and barely acknowledge her and Trunks. Still, as much as he frustrated her, Bulma couldn't deny she did care about him.

"So, you had a rough time against the Artificial Humans." Vegeta remained silent as he put on fresh armor. Bulma observed his body. Whatever wounds he had, healed. "It's good you survived. At least our son will grow up with a father."

Vegeta smirked as he grabbed one of his boots. "Noticed how much stronger I've become, have you?"

Bulma half shrugged. She didn't read Ki. She wasn't a martial artist but hearing Trunks tell her what happened to him and Vegeta, she knew he'd gotten stronger. "Well, yeah, but Goku is awake and he'll take care of Cell after he and Gohan spend time in that room. You and Trunks only have to stay alive until Goku gets stronger."

Vegeta's smirked quickly turned into a scowl. "Kakarrot." He spoke the name like a vile curse. "There will be no one for Kakarrot to fight. I will kill Cell and the Artificial Humans. Then I will return here and wait for Kakarrot. Our rematch is long overdue. I will kill him."

Bulma took Vegeta's threat to her oldest friend with rolling eyes. "Right. Well, now that all this fighting will be over soon, I'll arrange to have your things brought back home."

"What?"

"You left so you can focus on the Artificial Humans. After today, it should be over since you're gonna kill them." Vegeta's eyebrow shot up at Bulma's sarcasm. How dare she doubt him. "You can come home to us."

"Us?"

"Me and Trunks."

Vegeta's eyebrow went up again as he noticed Bulma stood alone. She didn't have Trunks with her. "Where's the child?"

"With my parents."

Vegeta laughed so loud eyes from everyone turned their way. "So, you decided to be a responsible parent for once and leave the baby at home." He snorted. "What's the matter? You didn't want to show off the child to Cell?"

"Wha—" Bulma broke off insulted. "What the hell does that mean? Unlike you, I'm responsible. I've been around our child every day since his birth. Where have you been this past year? How many times have you held your son? How many times have you changed his diapers, fed him or got up in the middle of the night to check on him when he's crying?"

It was none and Vegeta didn't care. "I haven't done any of those things but I never brought my child to a damn battlefield where he and his flighty mother could've gotten killed!" Bulma's mouth shut from that outburst. No one addressed her for her decision. They were smart. It was shocking Vegeta said anything about it. "What the hell what you were thinking?"

"What the hell were you thinking not rescuing us?!" Bulma argued back. "I'm the mother of your child and Trunks is your son! Our safety should've been more important than finding Dr. Gero! Oh, and let's not forget if I hadn't shown up, you wouldn't have known that was Dr. Gero or where his hideaway was! So, you're welcome!"

"We would've eventually found him without your stupid interference!"

"Stupid inter….." Bulma's fists clenched. If she could hit this man where it actually hurt him! "Sometimes I wonder why I—"

"We both know why. You thought I would be like these pathetic men on Earth. You thought you could treat me like your ex but learned the hard way you couldn't." He chuckled. "You hate me but at the same time still can't resist wanting me." He stepped to her leaving barely an inch of space between them. Bulma's face grew warm at their closeness. Her uncomfortableness fueled his arrogance. "That's the price of fucking with a Saiyan. You're marked like Kakarrot's wife. Heh. I guess that's something you two have in common." His eyes thinned as he knew that wasn't the only thing. "Well, one of two things."

Vegeta stepped away from Bulma, leaving her to question what he meant. He left Kami's Temple soon after to face Cell alone, confident he will be the one to kill Cell and the Artificial Humans. He refused Goku's offer to teleport to Cell. Vegeta wanted this victory alone without anyone's help.

Meanwhile, Goku leaned on a wall arms crossed while his white boots tapped the polish floor as he and Gohan waited for Mr. Popo to open the door. While Trunks and Vegeta were briefed on what happened in the last twenty-four hours, Mr. Popo cleaned the room, changed bedsheets and restock the food for Goku and Gohan. It was easy waiting a day but waiting half an hour for Mr. Popo was tireless.

Goku was tempted to knock on the door to know how much longer when the door opened and Mr. Popo stepped out. "It is ready."

With an optimistic grin, Goku and Gohan entered the Room of Spirit of Time.

"It's all white in here," were Gohan's first words as he looked around the strange room. "The gravity's heavy and it's hot, too. I can hardly breathe."

"It takes a while to get used to. Once the door is closed, everything outside is shut out. Have you noticed you can't feel Cell or Vegeta's Ki anymore?" Gohan nodded. "That's the benefit of being in this room. We can concentrate without any distractions."

Distractions isn't how Gohan thought of their situation. "But, Dad, if we can't feel Mom and our friends, what if Cell kills them while we are in this room? What if they need our help?"

Goku put a hand on Gohan's shoulder and knelt before him. "Don't think like that, Gohan. Vegeta and Trunks are a lot stronger now. There's also Piccolo. If things get dicey, they'll find a way to escape and make sure everyone survive."

"Okay but I'm worried about Mom and Mr. Piccolo."

"Piccolo didn't die after his first match with Cell. He'll escape death again. As for Mom," Goku chuckled and ruffled his son's head. "You really think Mom will die against Cell? She's the strongest person in the universe." That brought out a smile from Gohan. "All right. No more gloomy thoughts." Goku stood. He gave Gohan a quick tour of the area before saying, "Let's start training right away. We're not here to fool around. It won't be like the last three years."

"But we trained hard then, too."

"Not as much as we could have, Gohan. We took a lot of breaks but no one trained as hard as they could have. The Artificial Humans are stronger than the ones Trunks fights in his time but Piccolo and the others shouldn't have been defeated so easily." There was another mistake he and Piccolo made that Goku didn't realize until he was in his deep sleep. "When we trained, me and Piccolo set goals for ourselves but not you. Me and Piccolo were sparring partners but you just watched us and jumped in occasionally. When the fighting started against the Artificial Humans, you were still on the sidelines. I sent you to check on Yajirobe but you didn't fight when the heart virus took me out, did you?"

"No." Gohan wanted to fight but he never had the opportunity. "I wanted to go with everyone to Dr. Gero's lab but Mr. Piccolo told me to stay behind to take Bulma, her baby and Yajirobe home to you and let you know what's happening but I was outvoted and I had to take them to Bulma's home before I could go home. When I came home, that's when I learned I missed the fight between everyone and 17 and 18."

Goku understood Piccolo's decision. It was the same as his. Both were protecting Gohan and keeping him on the sidelines.

And that was a mistake.

"Trunks told us what happens in the future but me and Piccolo didn't listen. Piccolo shouldn't have been my sparring partner. It should've been you." Goku put a hand on Gohan's shoulder. "You will be my sparring partner and the first thing we're doing is turning you into a Super Saiyan."

"Me? A Super Saiyan?" Gohan didn't think that was possible. "Do you think I can do it?"

"Sure you can. You have Saiyan blood in you, too, and you'll have to be one before the real training begins."

"Oh." Real training. Doubt filled Gohan. He thought what he was doing was real training but if it wasn't….. "Dad, am I holding you back?"

"For a while," Goku didn't hold back the truth, "but once you're a Super Saiyan, you'll be a great sparring partner. I'm going to reach beyond Super Saiyan. I'm going to be more powerful than anyone, but, Gohan, I want you to be more powerful than me."

"WHAT?!" Gohan gasped. "More powerful than you?!"

"That's right. I believe you can do it."

"I….." Gohan hesitated. He couldn't be more powerful than his father. "I don't know. Trunks said I'll be a Super Saiyan and the Artificial Humans still kill me."

"The future is already different from what Trunks knew. I should've died when I got the heart virus. Besides, in that future, you didn't train in here and the Gohan in Trunks' time didn't train with me."

"I don't understand."

"Think about it. The me in Trunks time died when times were peaceful. You probably didn't train since Namek. That's three missed years. The me in Trunks' time never trained his son. He was unprepared for the Artificial Humans and died." Goku knelt before Gohan, "But it's different with us. Now we get to train together and I plan to make you as strong as possible and that means being stronger than me." Goku knew it was a lot to put on Gohan at a young age but seeing how far Gohan has come since he was four years old, Goku knew Gohan can do it. "You're my son. I believe in you but you have to believe in yourself, too."

Gohan's lack of confidence worried Goku. If after all these years, Gohan wasn't confident in his strength and skills as a fighter, will he gain this confidence after a year in this room with him?

Training began promptly after the father and son talk. Gohan's kicks and punches were slower but Goku expected this. Gohan had to adjust his body to the heavy gravity and heat like Goku did when he was on King Kai's planet.

It was when Goku noticed Gohan sweating and gasping for air he decided to stop. "Let's take a break. Get some water and rest for twenty minutes. You're about to pass out."

"No," Gohan refused to stop. "I can keep going."

Goku used his leg to trip Gohan. "You keep going and you're gonna pass out. I'm trying to make you stronger than me. I'm not trying to kill you, Gohan."

It made sense but Gohan wasn't happy about it. "When I trained with Mr. Piccolo, he wanted me to be stronger than him, too. He thought training to exhaustion was good. He said it made me stronger. It did."

"That's Piccolo's way. Not mine. I promise you this way is just as good, if not better." Goku held his true thoughts from Gohan. Piccolo's way was wrong. It was evident in Gohan's behavior when Vegeta and Nappa came to Earth. Gohan was stronger but he didn't have the confidence to fight. He froze in critical times. It didn't matter Gohan was five and it was his first fight. Goku knew if Piccolo's mental training was different, Gohan would've been ready to fight Vegeta and Nappa.

"Dad?" Gohan called his father. "Aren't you coming?"

"No. I'm gonna workout for a bit."

Alone, Goku sparred with himself. Gohan joined fresh from his break, but after two hours, Goku needed a break and he didn't like it.

Maybe my body's still tired from the heart virus.

As father and son walked back to the rest area, Goku felt warmer. He knew the temperature was heated in here but Goku felt extremely warm. He put a hand on his forehead. Am I getting a fever?

Suspecting his body needed to adjust to the room, too, Goku cancelled training for the day and went to bed after dinner.

"Dad?" Goku felt hands shaking him. "Dad?" It sounded like Gohan. "Dad!"

Goku's heavy eyelids opened to see Gohan's worried eyes on him. Why did it feel so hot? "Gohan?"

"Should I get Mom?"

"Huh?" What was his son talking about? "Why do you want Mom? We're here to train." Goku draped an arm over his forehead. Why did he feel tired and what was he still so hot?

"Drink this." Gohan handed Goku a cup of water. "You're hot and you've been sleeping since we went to bed. I tried waking you up for two hours."

Goku drank the water. "How long have I been asleep?"

Gohan looked above at the giant clock over the beds. Time was different here. The clocks measured by day and not hour. "I think I woke up after eight hours. It must've been ten for you."

Ten hours and he still felt tired. "I do feel a little strange. I guess I'm doing too much too soon since I just recovered from the heart virus." Oh, boy. Gohan gave him the same look ChiChi gave him when she worried. "Don't worry about your Pops. I'm all right. I have to take it easy for a few days."

Gohan wasn't convinced. "Are you sure we don't need Mom?"

Goku rubbed Gohan's head. "I'll be fine. Your body's not the only one adjusting to this place."

Gohan accepted that answer since his body was still adjusting to the room, too. "I made some breakfast. I'll bring it to you."

Once Gohan left the room, Goku laid on his pillow worried. Oversleeping. Body feeling weird. Does my body need to adjust to this room or is something else wrong?

Over the weeks, Goku spent most of the day helping Gohan unlock his rage to be a Super Saiyan. After Gohan went to bed, Goku spent a few hours getting himself closer to ascending Super Saiyan. Trunks said Vegeta ascended in two months. Goku knew he could ascend in the same time even with Gohan's training slowing him down.

Each day, Goku got stronger and pushed himself further. It was grueling; the aches in his body told him to rest but Goku couldn't. He felt Cell's Ki. He had to get higher than that no matter what and one night almost paid for it. In the middle of summoning a powerful Kamehameha Wave, everything went wrong.

A stabbing pain struck his heart. Goku's body locked up. He couldn't move. He couldn't breathe. He released the Kamehameha Wave. The giant ball of energy exploded on the ground below creating an earth shattering explosion. Clutching his chest, Goku freefall unable to pull himself up.

Goku slammed into the ground. The glow from his body faded at impact as he returned to his normal state. Air filled his lungs again as the pain slowly eased in his chest. Rolling on his back, Goku stared at the white sky wondering what just happened.

"Did I overdo it?" Slowly, Goku pulled himself to sit up. Goku knew he was pushing himself but he had to. He and Gohan had a lot to get done. It took Goku almost a year to get control of Super Saiyan. He wanted Gohan to transform into a Super Saiyan, master controlling it and ascend Super Saiyan all in a year. Two months have already passed and Gohan hadn't reached Super Saiyan yet. They were behind schedule.

Gohan could rest but Goku knew he couldn't.

Goku stood. He felt a little winded but strong enough to continue. "I'll train for an hour and I'll stop."

With a grunt, Goku immediately transformed into a Super Saiyan. That was easy though Goku felt himself perspiring. Summoning his rage, Goku raised his Ki again to the level he was before collapsed.

And his body paid for it.

Intense pain consumed Goku's body. His chest was on fire. Goku clutched his chest and dropped to his knees. With his hand against his chest, he couldn't feel his heart beat. Drained, Goku returned to his base form. Still no heartbeat!

One second. Two seconds. No heartbeat. Until…..

Ba-bump. Ba-bump.

A slow beat thumped in his chest. Goku fell forward with shaky hands holding his body up as he coughed heavily. Blood he noticed on the white floor. He was coughing up blood.

Goku swiped his lips on his gloves. It was stained with his blood. "What's happening?" Struggling, Goku pulled himself to stand before his body stumbled again. He grabbed his knees and lean forward as he took in heavy breaths. Goku raised his head. It felt so heavy. The rest area seemed so far off and….. Goku squinted his eyes at the giant hourglasses. Four hourglasses? Now his vision was going.

Mustering his strength, Goku took one step forward; then another and another. By the time Goku reached the rest area, he was crawling and sweating profusely. In the kitchen, Goku consumed gulps of water. He sat on the floor for several moments still trying to recover. He placed a hand on his heart. It had a weird beat to it.

Goku perked up as he felt Gohan's Ki rising. He was waking up. Gohan couldn't see him like this. There will be questions he didn't want and couldn't answer. Adrenaline pumping, Goku jumped to his feet and removed the top of his uniform. He turned on the water, dumped his top in the sink and rubbed the material together. He had to get the blood out before Gohan saw it.

"Dad?"

Goku turned his head at Gohan. "Hi, Gohan!"

Gohan walked in the room. "What are you doing?"

"Cleaning my uniform. It got a little dirty when I was training."

"But why are you cleaning in here? We always clean our clothes in the tub."

Goku looked at the sink. The blood had dissolved in the water. Goku smiled sheepish at Gohan. "Oh, I forgot. Sorry I woke you."

"It's okay."

Goku frowned noticing Gohan bowing his head. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry I'm taking so long to be a Super Saiyan. If I were stronger, you wouldn't be training by yourself while I sleep." Gohan's fists clenched. He was so frustrated with himself. "I'm slowing you down."

Goku gripped the edge of the sink and carefully lowered his body to kneel before Gohan. "You're doing fine, Gohan. Stop being so hard on yourself. We still have a lot of time."

Gohan nodded. "Okay, Dad."

"Go back to bed. I'll be there in a few minutes." Goku stayed kneeling and smiling until Gohan left. Grimacing in pain, Goku struggled as he pulled himself up.

What's going on?

Thankfully, Gohan was asleep when Goku climbed in his bed. He lied awake thinking over what happened to him.

I couldn't breathe and I think my heart stopped.

Goku touched his chest. He could feel his heart beating normally again.

I thought the medicine healed me but my heart stopped twice.

It didn't take long for Goku to understand what this meant. Something's wrong. Maybe I should've went to the doctor before I came here. I could've while me and Gohan waited for Vegeta and Trunks to come out but I thought I was fine.

Sleeping was difficult for Goku. He couldn't get his mind off the thought something was wrong with his heart. If something was wrong with his heart, Goku wondered if it will affect him ascending Super Saiyan? If he couldn't ascend, then everyone's lives depended on Vegeta and Trunks.

That didn't sit well with Goku. What if Vegeta couldn't do it? Vegeta was an excellent fighter but that hot temper of his got in the way. What if Cell outwitted him? If Vegeta lost, there's Trunks but Goku didn't have a lot of faith in him either. As powerful as he is, Trunks was still inexperienced. What if Cell absorbed another Artificial Human and became too strong for them?

It meant things will fall on him as it always did but Goku knew he couldn't be the hero and save everyone this time. It meant Gohan will have to be the hero. Goku expected Gohan to take his place but he always expected that to be after this fight with Cell and the Artificial Humans.

Gohan is farther than I ever was at his age. He's on the verge of being a Super Saiyan now. He'll have to fight if Vegeta and Trunks fail.

Goku tossed and turned eventually getting some sleep but after waking up and lying in bed for an hour, gave up. He got out of bed, showered, dressed and sat on the steps of the rest area. His mind was still on yesterday.

Damn this virus. The medicine cured me but that virus still did something to my heart. I won't be able to beat Cell like this. If Vegeta and Trunks don't stop him, then it falls on Gohan.

Goku buried his face in his hands. But can I do that to Gohan?

ChiChi playfully jabbed Goku's chin, "But you have to promise me to make Gohan as strong as you can while you're at it."

The irony. ChiChi wanted me to make Gohan as strong as possible but I know she didn't mean so Gohan can fight Cell. Cell is a monster and I may have to send my son to fight him. Goku hated Cell. He hated Cell's creation was tied to him because of Dr. Gero. He never met the mad scientist but his rage against Goku defeating the Red Ribbon Army created a monster that could end all life on Earth.

For years, everyone has been after me. Piccolo came to the tournament to kill me. My brother came to Earth for me. Freeza and his Pops came to Earth for me. Now the Artificial Humans and Cell want to destroy Earth because of me.

Everyone has been after me. I didn't believe her but Bulma said trouble always follow me. Maybe she was actually right and I'm the blame for everything. Piccolo. My brother and Vegeta. Freeza. All of them came to Earth because of me. Maybe this is my fault.

"Dad?"

Gohan stood by one of the pillars watching him concerned. Maybe he was at fault for all the bad things happening to Earth over the years but there was one of two things Goku was happy about: his son. If he never came to Earth, he never would have Gohan and Goku wouldn't change anything if it meant not having his son in his life.

The other was at Master Roshi's place waiting on him.

For them, Goku couldn't lose.

My son will be a Super Saiyan and he will save everyone.

Following that day, the plans changed. Goku eased on his training. He still trained after Gohan went to sleep but only for an hour and he wasn't as extensive in his training. His main focus was on Gohan and helping him be a Super Saiyan. A few weeks into this routine, Gohan became a Super Saiyan. Now that Gohan achieved that goal, there was one important thing to do: give Gohan a haircut.

"Step into Dad's barber shop!"

Gohan giggled as he sat in his chair. Mom said the same thing when she cut his hair. Goku wrapped a cloth around Gohan's neck. Goku's fingers moved smoothly through Gohan's spiky hair. "Lots of hair here, young man. What style do you want today?"

"Just a little off the top, sir."

"A little?" Goku gently pulled a few strands. "Maybe I should give you that bowl haircut. You'd love that."

Gohan turned in his chair horrified. "No, Dad!"

Goku laughed as he turned Gohan around in his chair. "Kidding, Gohan, but I know what to do to you if you misbehave." Goku looked at the length of Gohan's hair deciphering how to style it. "I'm amazed you stayed in the chair long enough for Mom to cut and straightened your hair."

Gohan turned in his seat again. "I wanted to leave but I was scared of what Mom would do to me if I ran away. She was really mad."

A large piece of Gohan's hair fell on the floor. Goku turned Gohan to face forward again. "Now you know to never raise your voice at Mom."

Gohan learned his lesson. After his Namek experience, Gohan knew his mother was right about him being too young even though he had to go.

"Mom was only worried about you since you were so young and she hadn't seen you in a year."

"I know." It took Gohan recovering from his adventures on Namek to realize that.

"And she wasn't the only one who didn't want you to go." Goku cut off more hair. "I didn't want you to go either for the same reasons."

Gohan turned his head back and barely missed Goku's scissors from poking his eye. "You, Dad?"

"Stop moving your head!" Goku put his hand on Gohan's head and turned him forward. "You almost poke your eye with the scissors!"

"Sorry, Mo—" Gohan caught himself. He usually had to apologize to his mother when he was scolded. For his Dad to do it, Gohan thought it was funny.

"What's so funny?"

Gohan chuckled. "Outside of fighting, I never heard you scold at me. It's always Mom."

"Yeah, but it's only for studying. Mom understands that stuff better than me and I trust her. You should, too."

"I do, but sometimes Mom is wrong. I like studying but when the world is at stake, Mom should understand protecting everyone is more important."

Goku combed part of Gohan's hair. Lining up the length carefully, he cut off another piece. "You think Mom doesn't know that?" Gohan started to turn again but Goku put his hand on Gohan's head keeping him in place. "She does but that doesn't mean she wants us fighting. My friends didn't understand but ChiChi knows the consequences. We were separated as a family for two years. You were alone for six months. You had nightmares after Namek."

Gohan agreed except, "They do know, Dad. Mr. Piccolo, Yamcha, Tien, Chaozu and Krillin died."

"A few months isn't the same as two years." Goku snipped more pieces of hair. "Their lives weren't put on hold like ours were. When you get old like your Pops you'll notice things you hadn't before." He smiled to himself as he remembered an incident from his childhood.

"I was always adventurous. I think I was five or six when I jumped down a ravine. I thought it was fun but I scared Grandpa and he beat me for that." More of Gohan's long hair fell on his cloth. "It wasn't until you were born and having your misadventures I realized how dumb I was. Probably will take until you're a Pops before you understand Mom."

Maybe. After the battle against Vegeta and Nappa, Gohan didn't understand his mother but that changed after he returned from Namek. With the Artificial Humans and Cell, sometimes he didn't understand his mother's fretting on his education when there were more pressing issues but talking to his Dad, Gohan's eyes were opening to her side of things.

Goku placed a hand mirror in front of Gohan. "Done. What do you think?"

Gohan turned his head from side to side. He liked the short and spiky hairstyle his father gave him. His father's hair didn't grow but Gohan admired his styled as a barber. "I love it. Thanks, Dad."

Gohan really liked his new hairstyle but he loved the talk with his Dad even more.

"That's it, Gohan! Feed that rage in you! Use it as a weapon!"

Goku watched as Gohan's Ki continue to rise with his scream. The rise in his son's Ki was phenomenal. It was greater than his and far higher than Cell's when Goku met him. To feel this power from his nine year old son was unbelievable and had his body shaking.

Gohan's rage created a shockwave that reverberated over the room. Goku put up his hands to shield himself from the ring of shockwaves but his body was pushed back several feet anyway. Once the wave passed, Goku lowered his hands.

Gohan was crackling with electrical energy. The golden aura around him was brighter; the immense power mind boggling. He was a child but he was stronger than anything Goku has ever felt.

"Gohan, did it," Goku murmured to himself. "He pushed through the wall."

Several weeks later, Goku sat still in disbelief. Gohan became the youngest Super Saiyan at nine years old. Sometimes Goku forgot his son is still a kid and as strong as he is, needed to rest. They've been training harder over the months. The hardest part of their training was going back to basics and learning to do everything in their Super Saiyan form.

Goku discovered he cold ascend but there was a price. This extra power put him over Cell's level but he couldn't move fast. Cell will easily dodge his attacks. Goku spent time contemplating on what to do to resolve this issue. Then he got an idea. What if he and Gohan function as if Super Saiyan in their base form? If they do this, they can get stronger and push through the wall of this bulky form.

Goku and Gohan started their training over. Except when sleeping, they did everything as a Super Saiyan. They bathe as Super Saiyans. They ate as Super Saiyans. They cooked their bland meals as Super Saiyans. This caused a few items to break and bend but they adjusted.

As an adult, staying as a Super Saiyan all day was hard. For a child, it was overwhelming and caused Gohan's body to break down faster from the strain. He collapsed in the middle of training. Goku thought he hit Gohan too hard but when he touched him he realized Gohan's body was burning. He had fever. Training was put on hold as Goku cared for Gohan until his fever broke.

Since then, Gohan changed. He became faster and stronger. Gohan felt guilt training had to be cancelled while his Dad cared for him. Gohan was determined to prove he can be strong like his father wanted. He didn't want to stop fighting and urged his Dad to continue when he ended training for the day. Initially, Goku ended training to not overwork Gohan but it soon came to Goku doing it because Gohan was wearing him out.

Then that amazing day happened when Goku witness Gohan's transformation. Gohan went from being a Super Saiyan to ascending without reaching the bulky level he achieved. Goku thought if Gohan can do it, then so can he.

Only he couldn't. Each night Gohan slept, Goku tried ascending like Gohan but he couldn't do it. Recalling the incident of his heart months earlier, Goku resigned himself to the reality he couldn't do it.

Goku didn't like that initially. His goal was to be the strongest and have Gohan be stronger than him. Goku thought it meant him ascending Super Saiyan

It took nearly a month for Goku to come to terms that wasn't possible. He didn't like it initially since he didn't reach his goal but over the month, came to accept it. In the end, he did get what he wanted since his return from Yardrat. Gohan will be his successor and he can finally step down as savior for all.

Training for the day was over. Food was eaten and dishes were put away. Goku and Gohan spent this hour before sleep to relax. Goku sat on the steps watching Gohan explore the area. There wasn't a lot to explore but Gohan was fascinated by the giant hourglasses. Gohan's curiosity reminded Goku of Gohan's behavior as a baby. He was so curious and got into everything. With his tail, Gohan climbed out of the crib several times. ChiChi nearly had a heart attack the first time it happened. She checked on Gohan one morning and found his crib empty. She woke him from bed screaming Gohan was kidnapped which sent him into a panic until he calmed down and felt Gohan through his Ki. Gohan slept in his play area in the living room curled against a giant stuffed bear Gyu-Mao bought for Gohan.

Feeling eyes on him, Gohan turned to see his father watching him. Gohan returned to Goku's side. "Is something wrong, Dad?"

"No. Just thinking how curious you were as a baby. You got into everything. When you were awake and quiet, Mom was nervous."

Amused, Gohan sat with his father. "Why?"

"Because you were always into something. You crawled out of the crib a lot using that tail of yours. Once, I took you fishing with Aki. You were napping beside me and when I looked down you were gone. You disappeared into the forest." Goku laughed. "Actually scared me."

"Really?" Gohan knew part of the story from Aki but it was pleasing to hear his father share this with him. He normally kept his thoughts to himself.

"Your Mom always thought you were a bright baby. You did everything faster than other babies: talk, crawl, walk and read. It's why she started your schooling so early. She wanted you to focus on something constructive." He rubbed Gohan's head playfully. "She didn't think fighting was what you needed. She thought you were too young but I think when you got older, if the ordeal with my brother didn't happen, I would've convinced her."

Gohan wasn't sure. He was pretty scared of things then. He was curious about fighting but was secretly glad his Mom intervened then. "Fighting looked fun but I didn't think I could do it. I remember you showing me some simple techniques. I remember you punching me, too."

Goku rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah," his mind flashback to when he punch his three year old son in the face. "It was accident. I thought you would block." He shoved Gohan lightly. "And you ran to Mom and got me in trouble."

Gohan laughed. "Mom always protected me. And it was really funny watching Mom fight you. She got you good! I didn't know she could do that."

It was years ago but to Goku it was yesterday seeing the fire in ChiChi's eyes, dodging her moves before ultimately getting kicked in his face by ChiChi's sharp boot. "Mom doesn't fight as much anymore but she's a good martial artist."

"Really?" Gohan heard the stories. He remembered seeing a photo of his parents' fight at the tournament. "I've never seen Mom fight."

"You don't remember seeing me and Mom spar?" Goku teased his son. "That big brain of yours and good memory forgot?" At Gohan's innocent shake of his head, Goku said, "When you were a baby, Mom put you in a carrier and we'll go outside and spar together." Goku had a thoughtful look on his face as the memories returned. "Before Mom discovered she was pregnant with you, we'd go out a lot. We traveled to different cities, attend concerts she insisted we go to," he said with a laugh, "explore areas I traveled as a kid and we'd spar together. I helped her techniques. Her Kamehameha Wave got stronger. She was really improving. It was fun."

Gohan noticed the thoughtful smile on his Dad's face. Sometimes he didn't notice it but there were times like now Gohan got a glimpse of how his parents felt for each other. For three years, his Dad sparred with him and Piccolo. Gohan wondered if his Dad missed sparring with his Mom. Thinking more, Gohan wondered if Dad just missed being alone with Mom.

"You like books, don't you, Gohan?"

Gohan's eyebrows went up, surprised at the question. For Gohan, it was strange for his father to ask about his schoolwork. He never talked about it unless it's asking if Gohan's finished so they can play. His Dad's sudden interest was nice… though strange. Maybe Dad's asking to take his mind off Mom. "Yeah. I like reading and learning. I kind of miss school. That year you were away, Mom enrolled me in school. I made some friends. It was nice."

"You missed it when Mom took you out of school?" Gohan nodded. School didn't interest Goku. When ChiChi explained how school work with children, Goku was turned off. He never learned that way. His Grandpa taught him for a few hours a day but like Master Roshi, his schooling occurred outside. Being inside for hours, sitting at a desk was confining to Goku.

But Gohan liked that stuff and for the first time, Goku thought he was being a little selfish. He wanted Gohan to learn how to fight like him. He got that now but Goku wondered if he was holding Gohan back from doing something he like.

"So, after we defeat Cell and the Artificial Humans, you wanna go back to school?"

"Yes," Gohan didn't hesitate, "I do."

That means he wouldn't be with Gohan for hours every day like he has been for three years; like he is now. That saddened Goku. If Gohan wanted to go to school and study, what about him? Would Gohan still want to be with him and what about Gohan taking his place as the world's hero? Goku knew that was a lot to place on Gohan's shoulder but there was no one else to do it. After Cell, Goku figured there will be peace. Freeza was gone so there wasn't a worry about him coming back for revenge. He and Piccolo were allies now so Goku didn't worry about him. The Red Ribbon Army was the last group that wanted revenge against him and that fight should be over soon. Gohan may never have to fight another strong enemy.

"You still wanna spar with me with me, right?" Goku asked hopefully.

Gohan smiled. "Of course, Dad. It lets me spend time with you. When I was younger, I wasn't strong then and I would've gotten in the way. I'm happy I'm strong enough to not hold you back."

He doesn't realize he's surpassed me. "Gohan, you're a lot stronger than you think."

"Not stronger than you," Gohan knew that was impossible. "But at least I can help you get stronger to beat Cell."

After all this time, Gohan still didn't see his potential or how strong he's gotten.

Maybe one day while we're here, Gohan will see he surpassed his Pops.

"What do you like most about school stuff, Gohan?"

That was a tough question for Gohan. He liked a lot of topics. "I think I like science the most."

"Is that what you want to do when you get older? Read a lot of science books?"

Gohan shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe, but I like helping people, too."

I can't help Gohan with this book stuff but I'll support him.

"I like this, Dad." Gohan smiled at his father. "I like we're just talking and it doesn't have to do with fighting. Reminds me of the times we talked before your reunion."

Goku remembered those times, too. He and Gohan spent time exploring Mount Paouz. Sometimes they included ChiChi and they left their mountain home for a day or two ride on Nimbus to different lands. Sometimes it was the beach; sometimes it was a snow village. Wherever they went, it was always fun and always the three of them.

But with the Saiyans' arrival, Namek and now Cell, in five year the Son Family hadn't spent time alone together.

After Cell and the Artificial Humans, things will be different.

"Goku. Goku?" Goku opened his eyes. ChiChi leaned against the canopy bed wearing a yellow robe. She wore a sly smile. "Falling asleep on me?" she giggled. "That's not you."

"ChiChi?" Goku looked around. He was in bed. His eyes swept over ChiChi again. "What are you doing in here?""What do you mean?" ChiChi laughed, "Goku, you invited me in this room.""I…. did?" That wasn't true. Only he and Gohan came in this room. ChiChi was still on Master Roshi's island. Goku looked around. "Where's Gohan?""Gohan's with my Dad. We left him with Grandpa before you brought me here."Goku didn't recall this at all. He brought Gohan here. Not ChiChi. "How come you're here?""Ah, Goku. You're so forgetful sometimes." ChiChi leaned forward and kissed him. "You're the one who wanted to spend a year in here to make up for the year we missed." She opened her robe and let it fall on the floor. "Don't tell me you're changing your mind?" Whoa. ChiChi wore her special night clothes. The yellow, baby doll was sheer and the matching underwear underneath barely covered ChiChi's breasts and hips. Goku could smell and see ChiChi's excitement from the tips poking her bra and the little spot of moisture covering her sweet spot."Perhaps you need encouragement."Encouragement? Goku could feel himself rising. "No, I don't."ChiChi grinned as she pulled the ribbon from her hair. Her hair bounced as it softly fell past her shoulders. Goku exhaled and his heart pounded as ChiChi climbed in bed and settled between his legs. Her eyes met his as her hand slipped in his pants and pulled out his penis. ChiChi laughed at how her hands wrapped around the thick organ. "Already hard and leaking." She licked his tip and Goku shuddered. "Never took long for you to respond."Goku sucked in a breath as ChiChi took him in his mouth. His eyes almost rolled back. He was paralyzed in sweet pleasure when ChiChi had him this way. "Ngh!" Goku grunted feeling ChiChi touch that sensitive spot on his lower back. "ChiChi," he gasped.

ChiChi hummed, her eyes playful as her tongue moved along his length. A stab of her finger in his tail stub forced Goku's hips to jerk off the bed. His body grew tighter. His hand grasp ChiChi's head and forced her deeper. He was so close. He never came this fast before but ChiChi was different. Instead of taking her time, ChiChi worked him fast, licking him faster, sucking him harder. He panted and perspired.

"Chi—" he felt his control snap as his body pulsed.

Goku's eyes snapped open. His eyes darted around his closed purple canopy. This room didn't have a light switch so to create darkness Goku and Gohan opened the canopy drapes and closed it around their beds.

"It was a dream," Goku muttered to himself. That was the fourth dream he had about ChiChi this week like that. "Damn." Alert, he lift the sheets to see a stiff problem. "Damn," he said again.

Even after nearly a year, time was difficult in the Room of Spirit and Time. When Gohan awakened, he didn't know if it was night or day. In the beginning Gohan calculated the time since he and his father trained for a few hours but the longer they were in this room, the hours increased where Gohan lost track.

Gohan noticed his father's bed was empty. Curious, Gohan got out of bed. He found his father floating in the air sparring. The last time Goku sparred without him Gohan wasn't a Super Saiyan. He wondered if he was holding his Dad back again.

Gohan changed into a Super Saiyan and jumped in his father's spar to block his kick. Sparring between the two went on for two hours before Goku suddenly lowered his stance. "I'm done."

"Done?" But they only sparred two hours. "Oh, you're hungry," Gohan presumed. "I'm ready to train after we eat breakfast."

Breakfast could reenergize him but Goku was tired. After waking up aroused, he spent the rest of his time burning off excess energy. He was ready to quit but Gohan intervened and after those two hours, Goku was done. "No," Goku shook his head. "I'm done training."

Gohan worried. Was it him? Did he do something wrong? "Dad, I can keep going."

Goku knew Gohan could. He surpassed him two months ago. Goku was truly exhausted when he ended training each day but Gohan wanted to keep going. It was Goku's goal for Gohan to be stronger than him. He told Gohan this. The child doubted himself but Goku assumed Gohan noticed by now. He was wrong. In his eyes, Gohan would never see he surpassed his father.

"I know you can but there's no need. We've achieved our goals. It's time to leave this room."

"But….." Gohan didn't think he heard right. "We can't leave. We haven't been in here for a year."

"We can and we will." Goku descended to the floor. Goku expected Gohan to follow but his son remained in the air. "Gohan, I'm tired. I'm ready to leave this room. It was confining as a kid and it's confining now. I'm tired of seeing this room. I'm tired of eating our badly cooked meals. I want ChiChi's and I can't be in here a second longer and not know what's going out there."

Gohan returned to the floor. "We're not finished, Dad. You said you want me to be stronger than you. I'm not there yet. Maybe I will be when the year's up."

"We are, Gohan. I've gotten as strong as I can and you….." he had so much pride for his son now but he didn't understand how Gohan can be so blind. "Gohan, you're a Super Saiyan at nine years old. Four years ago, I was the only one. A year ago, it was me, Vegeta and Trunks. You're younger than all of us. There's no telling how much stronger you will be. You're stronger than me."

Gohan wished his Dad didn't lie to make him feel better. "I'm stronger, Dad, but we know I'm not as strong as you. No one can be."

Goku rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess." He still doesn't see it.

"Dad, if you think we should leave, I trust you, but are we strong enough to beat Cell?"

Goku placed his hands on Gohan's shoulders. "I'm sure, Gohan. I met Cell. Both of us are stronger than him and if Vegeta and Trunks didn't stop him or if Cell absorbed the other Artificial Human, we can still stop him. I know it."

If his Dad think they can win, then it was enough for Gohan. "Okay. Let's go."

Master Roshi shook his head as he watched the news. The world was in a state of panic. People were packing and leaving the cities. Riots broke out as people broke in stores and took what they wanted. With nine days before the world ended, people didn't care about being civil. Calls were even made to Capsule Corporation and Aerospace companies demanding rockets be built so people can leave the planet.

Master Roshi turned off the TV. "Cell is really throwing the planet in chaos."

Upstairs, ChiChi paced worriedly in her guestroom. It's been two days since she saw Goku and Gohan. Yamcha and Master Roshi felt Goku's presence yesterday where Cell, Piccolo, Tien and the Artificial Humans were for a few moments before Goku suddenly vanished. They felt Vegeta and Trunks Ki later and all hell broke loose on the planet with their loss and Cell achieving his perfect form. With Cell's announcement of a tournament, ChiChi grew increasingly worried about Goku and Gohan. Were they still in that room? Her patience was wearing so thin she considered going to Kami's Temple herself if Goku and Gohan weren't back by tomorrow.

"ChiChi! Hey, ChiChi! We're back!"

Goku! He was back! ChiChi rushed out the room and down the stairs. "Goku! Is that you? Is Gohan with you?" ChiChi reached the bottom of the stairs. "I was worried…" she stopped when she saw her husband and someone that looked like her son. Goku was in his Super Saiyan form but so was a boy who looked like her son. "Gohan?" Was this her son? He was taller with blonde hair.

"ChiChi, it's time to go home."

ChiChi fell to her knees in front of Gohan. "Gohan?" She pulled his hair. "Is that really you?"

"Ow!" Gohan winced at his hair being pulled. "Mom, that hurts."

"What happened to your hair?" ChiChi ignored Gohan. "It's blonde and your eyes are different."

"He's a Super Saiyan, ChiChi," Goku grinned at her. "You did tell me to make Gohan as strong as possible." He patted his son's shoulder. "I did like you told me."

"A Super Saiyan," ChiChi whispered. "I can't believe he's…. I can't believe you….."

Goku pulled ChiChi to her feet. "Come on. Let's go home. I'm starving and I wanna sleep in our own house tonight."

ChiChi couldn't keep her eyes off Gohan. "But I…. Gohan's grown so much. How could he change so much in a year? What did you do?!"

Goku pulled ChiChi with him up the stairs. "I'll tell you about it when we get home. Now let's get our stuff."

ChiChi was speechless as she was pulled up the steps. When they reached the top, ChiChi grabbed Gohan's shoulders. "You are my son, aren't you?"

Gohan laughed. "Of course I am, Mom."

"Gohan," Goku called from inside the room. "Let's help Mom pack and go home."

Yamcha loaned Goku his air ship so Goku can carry everything ChiChi packed for them back home. ChiChi had gotten over her shock of Gohan when they returned to Mount Paouz. She was also happy to find her home in one piece. The Artificial Humans didn't destroy it but ChiChi saw their dirty footprints in every room of her house.

"At least we have a home to come back to." ChiChi looked around as Goku and Gohan carried their belongings inside. "But it's obvious those Artificial Humans have been here." A couple rooms including her bedroom look as if it's been ransacked. "I think one of them tried on my clothes."

Gohan came out of his room. "They were in here, too, but it's not bad."

"I'll be back." Goku held the Yamcha's airship in a capsule. "I'm gonna give this back to Yamcha."

"That's fine," ChiChi dismissed him. "Come on, Gohan. Let's start cleaning up."

Goku disappeared by teleportation and returned to Master Roshi's island. "Here ya go, Yamcha." He tossed the capsule ship back to him."

"Goku," Krillin approached his friend. He couldn't let his friend leave again without apologizing to him. "I'm sorry. This is my fault. I let Cell reach perfect form."

"How?"

"I had a chance to deactivate 18 and I didn't."

"Deactivate?" Goku didn't understand. "What are you talking about?" Master Roshi and Yamcha looked on with interest. When Krillin returned to Master Roshi's island, he was upset Cell reached perfect form but he never said it was his fault.

"Goku," Yamcha joined in. "Bulma called here. She made a remote control that could deactivate the Artificial Humans. Krillin left to meet Bulma and get the remote from her."

"Oh." Now Goku understood. "Did you get it?"

"I did but I froze. I couldn't press the button to deactivate her. I…" Krillin braced himself for their reaction. "I destroyed the remote."

"You what?!" Master Roshi and Yamcha screamed.

"Krillin, you didn't tell us this." While Master Roshi was speechless, Yamcha was angry. "You told us you didn't get there in time to stop Cell from reaching his perfect form. Why the hell didn't you use the remote?!"

Krillin shook his head frantic. "I don't know. I know she's the enemy but she's not like the Artificial Humans in Trunks' time. She kissed me and—"

"Kissed you?" All three men echoed.

"It was so quick and it was unexpected…." Krillin stammered.

"Wait!" Yamcha interrupted. "You questioned my manhood because I lost Bulma to Vegeta while you doomed everyone's life on this planet over a damn kiss?!"

"It wasn't just me. It was Vegeta, too. He let Cell reach perfect form. He wanted Cell to be perfect because he thought it would give him a better fight. He fought Trunks when he tried to intervene."

"I don't give a damn what Vegeta did! I expect that jackass to do something stupid! But you, Krillin, should know better!" Yamcha looked at Goku for help. "Am I not right, Goku?"

All eyes fell on Goku to say something. Goku saw the anger in Yamcha's eyes and the guilt in Krillin's eyes. Master Roshi's eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses but he imagined his former teacher was disappointed in Krillin.

"Saiyans love proving themselves to be the strongest no matter what. It's in our blood. Freeza tricked me into a longer fight on Namek by promising me a better fight if I let him reach 100%. It was after that fight I realized it was a mistake. If I had killed Freeza then, Namek wouldn't have blown up and I wouldn't have been on Yardrat for a year.

"I used that same trick on Cell. I told him to give me a day and I promised him a good fight. It bought enough time for Vegeta and Trunks to get there but Cell used that same trick on Vegeta so he can reach perfect form." Goku saw the scrutiny in Yamcha's eyes. Given Yamcha's feelings towards Vegeta, Goku suspected Yamcha was disappointed he wasn't taking his side and made excuses.

"So, Saiyans will make stupid decisions that will put others at risk. We already knew this, Goku, otherwise we wouldn't have trained for three years! Vegeta threatened to kill anyone if we found Dr. Gero's lab before he built the Artificial Humans and you went along with it because you wanted to fight, too! You didn't learn your lesson from Freeza. Krillin is human. He should know better but he was only thinking about his dick!"

Master Roshi stepped between the men. "Hold on. Let's not get upset."

"Why not?!" Yamcha would not cool down. "We may be dead in nine days because this virgin got so hard over a kiss!"

"That's enough!" Master Roshi pointed his stick at Yamcha to keep his distance. "We've been in tough situations before. We all made mistakes but I won't condone fighting among my students. It looks bad for Earth but we will win this because we have Goku on our side."

"But even Goku said he's not strong enough to beat Cell. We had a chance to stop Cell but Krillin and Vegeta blew it and condemned us to death!" Yamcha stormed off, knocking the front door wide open as he left.

Master Roshi shook his head. "I'll talk to him. When you are told you have nine days left to live, emotions will run wild." With a sigh, Master Roshi went outside to talk to Yamcha, leaving Goku and Krillin alone.

"Are you mad at me, too?" Krillin asked Goku. "Sounds like you sympathize with Vegeta but you didn't say anything about me."

Vegeta's actions didn't surprise Goku. It was frustrating for it meant everything was on Gohan's shoulders but it wasn't surprising. Krillin on the other hand….. "I don't understand but your reasons must be good otherwise you wouldn't have done it." He smiled at him. "You're a good person, Krillin. That's all I need to know and don't worry. Cell will be defeated."

Krillin wished he had Goku's endless optimism but he couldn't shake the sense of dread he felt for the oncoming fight. "But you're not strong enough to defeat him. If you can't defeat Cell, we're doomed."

If only he knew…. "I trust you made the right decision destroying that remote. Trust me when I say Cell will be defeated."

Krillin sat down and stared at the floor. "I know you're trying to make me feel better, Goku, but I don't have your optimism. If we don't defeat Cell, I know it will be my fault." All of this was very ironic to him. "When I thought you killed Freeza with that spirit bomb, I was happy because it meant I can go home. I never said it but the Saiyan invasion and our Namek adventure took its toll on me. I was ready to enjoy the kind of life you've had for years. I wanted to get married and have a family like you. Now it looks like I won't even have that chance and it's my fault."

Krillin mentioned wanting to get married on Namek but Goku never dwelled on it. "You'll get that chance for a family. I promise."

In nine days? Krillin didn't think so. "At this point, it's easy to say but hard to do." Krillin rose. He had so much guilt. Not even Goku can cheer him up. He walked away. "Enjoy your time with your family, Goku. It may be the only time you have before it all ends for us."

Goku returned home to ChiChi and Gohan cleaning up. Their distractions gave Goku the opportunity to make a phone call in secret before catching the family's dinner.

That night, ChiChi stood in the doorway watching her son sleep. He looked so different from when she saw him two days ago. Now he had blonde hair and he grew a couple of inches. When she agreed to let Goku take Gohan with him in that room, she didn't expect this change. It was a day to her but a year to him. It brought ChiChi back to the horrible year Gohan was taken from her.

"ChiChi, whatcha doin'?"

ChiChi felt Goku touch her shoulder. "He was away from me for year."

"It was a day."

"A day to me but to Gohan, it was a year. He grew so much and I missed it. I missed his birthday again."

Was she really that bothered by Gohan's change? "It's still a day out here, ChiChi. That year doesn't count and we didn't miss his birthday."

"It does count because Gohan changed so much and we didn't celebrate his last birthday. You and Gohan were insistent we don't because it was so close to the day of the Artificial Humans' arrival. You two wanted to focus on training." ChiChi turned to him angry. "I want to celebrate Gohan's birthday before the Cell Games!"

"Okay," Goku gave in. "We can do it tomorrow."

"Good. I'll call Dad first thing tomorrow and invite him over. He still has Gohan's gifts at his castle." ChiChi took one last look at Gohan and closed the door. She leaned on Goku as they walked to their bedroom. "It's nice for us to finally be in our home again. It feels like forever."

"It wasn't forever," Goku said cheerfully. He counted on his fingers. "It was one, two…" he threw a hand behind his head and smiled, "How long was I out again?"

"It's been five days since we've been home. Three days I worried about you. Two days I worried about you and Gohan."

"No more worrying," Goku told ChiChi. "Let's go to sleep. I'm tired."

ChiChi smiled despite her disappointment. "Okay, Goku." ChiChi thought, hoped she and Goku could spend time together. She almost lost him and spent days worrying, caring and praying for him to recover from his heart virus.

Maybe tomorrow.

Once inside their bedroom, ChiChi sat on the edge of the bed to slip off her boots. "I'm glad we're home. I can finally take a shower."

Goku pulled his shirts over his head. "Huh? You ain't showered at Master Roshi's?"

ChiChi removed the ribbon from her hair. She finger combed her hair from any tangles. "No. Not since you left. When you were there, Tien and Piccolo kept an eye on Master Roshi while I took a shower. Yamcha and Krillin haven't been as watchful. I wiped myself with a soapy towel but I couldn't take a real shower with Master Roshi around."

Before Goku could say anymore, ChiChi disappeared in the bathroom. He considered joining her but for the moment decided to give ChiChi her privacy.

Goku removed his clothes until he was only in his boxers. Even though he wanted to be with ChiChi right now, he was glad for this moment alone. Since he left Cell, he had to put on a show of sorts for his friends and family. He was honest with them that Cell was much stronger than him but he fooled everyone it was okay with his cheerful demeanor.

Honestly, Goku was worried. He hadn't expected for Cell to be that powerful. He also didn't expect to be so beneath Cell's power. It was a strange feeling to be so far beneath someone in strength. Usually he was on par with an opponent but Cell was far stronger than him.

With a sigh and shake of his head, Goku whispered, "Vegeta. Krillin. What were you thinking?"

Lying in his coma, Goku could hear everyone around him. They all wanted him to get better so he could beat the Artificial Humans and Cell. Everyone but ChiChi and Gohan. They only wanted him to get well. Goku expected that behavior from his friends and he expected to save them as he always did but it won't be him saving the world this time. It will be his son.

Despite wanting to teach his son martial arts and thinking Gohan can be his successor, Goku didn't want to burden Gohan with this responsibility. At least not this soon. He was, as many times ChiChi had said, a child.

All Gohan had to do is get angry. Goku saw that power unleashed in the Room of Spirit and Time. The only problem was what will trigger his anger. Gohan was a calm child but he inherited his mother's fiery spirit when she's angry. When ChiChi lost that temper, she will act and say things without thinking. Gohan had bursts of anger, too. As a child, he broke toys with no memory of doing it. Sometimes he ran with bursts of speed and leapt high into trees with no recollection.

Gohan always had that power but something had to trigger it. Goku hoped Gohan can do it on his own but someone dying would really push Gohan over the edge.

Goku stared at the family picture on a wall. It was taken last year. When they were in the room of Spirit and Time, Gohan told him of having a nightmare of Cell killing Piccolo and his mother. ChiChi wouldn't be on the battlefield but Piccolo will be at the Cell Games. He could die but Goku had a foreboding feeling it wouldn't be Piccolo's death to trigger Gohan's anger.

"Goku?"

Goku turned to see ChiChi standing in the doorway. ChiChi always kept herself covered up but alone with him, she wore very little. The short piece with its plunging cleavage revealed ChiChi's lithe and muscular body. Flashes of his dreams of ChiChi appeared in his mind.

He hardened immediately.

ChiChi stepped to him. "Still awake." She noticed the tent in his boxers. Maybe this night will go as she wanted. "I'm glad." She kissed his chest and laid her head on him where his heart beat against her ear. "That's a lovely sound."

"What is?"

"Your heart. It means you're alive."

Goku wrapped his arms around ChiChi. He hoped to be alive the night of the Cell Games. "There are other ways to know I'm alive, ChiChi."

"Oh?" ChiChi turned her head up to gaze at him. "How?" Her hand patted his chest. "This is the best sign."

Goku smiled slyly. "Not really. I can show you another way."

ChiChi mirrored her husband's sly gaze. "Oh? You need to show me."

He could smell ChiChi's arousal. Her eyes told him what she wanted, too. Goku showed ChiChi the other way by pressing his lips on hers. Her thinly covered breasts rubbed against his chest, her mouth opened under Goku's demanding tongue. Eager herself, ChiChi hopped on Goku and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Goku moved them towards the bed when ChiChi suddenly pressed her hands on his chest and pulled away. "Wait, Goku."

Annoyance crossed Goku's face as he barely kept his lust at bay. "What is it?"

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

Forgetting something? Before intimacy, ChiChi had two rules. The first one pertained to Gohan. He felt his son's Ki. It was low. He was asleep and Gohan was past the age of coming to their room at night anyway. The second rule was locking the door. Walking back to the door with ChiChi wrapped around him, Goku checked the door. It was locked.

"Gohan's asleep and the door's locked."

Goku moved to kiss ChiChi but she shook her head. ChiChi tried to climb off Goku but Goku kept a tight arm around her. She wasn't going anywhere. "That's not it, Goku."

Now Goku was confused. "I don't understand. What else is there?"

ChiChi pulled Goku's blonde hair. "This? Don't you think it's time you turn back to your normal self?"

That's when Goku grinned. ChiChi didn't understand. "I told you, ChiChi. I have to do everything as a Super Saiyan." He opened her gown exposing her breasts to him. "That includes intimacy with you."

ChiChi gasped as Goku suckled a breast. She gripped his blonde hair and fought off the desire to give in. "No, Goku. We tried this. Your heightened Ki kept waking up Gohan. He thought the Artificial Humans came early."

Goku massaged his face between her breasts. "Gohan's used to this Ki. He won't disturb us."

As Goku suckled one breast and grope the other, he moved them back to bed. ChiChi tried to resist. "You're too strong for me."

He laughed between her breasts. "That's never stopped us."

Goku lowered ChiChi on the bed as she said, "You trained in that room for a year. You've only been out here for a few hours. What if you can't control yourself?"

"I can control myself." ChiChi sat up on the bed with her legs spread slightly as Goku kicked off his boxers, climbed on the bed and crawled over her. She should say no; tell Goku she didn't want to have sex with him as a Super Saiyan but she had been aching for him since he fell victim to the heart virus.

Her nightgown joined Goku's clothes on the floor. Her hand touched his chest where she felt his heart beat faster. She squeezed the muscled flesh. "You've gotten so strong." ChiChi could feel her body reacting. "Your body's a bigger, too." His strength was always a turn on and she knew Goku knew it. That Saiyan nose of his always told him when she is aroused.

"You hurt me," ChiChi warned as Goku moved in to kiss her. "I'll make you pay."

Gasps and pants came from ChiChi's mouth with each of Goku's thrusts. He was smashing her harder than usual. A year in that room had Goku pent up. His hands were everywhere with her tonight. Marks of his teeth were on her neck, breasts, stomach and legs. Her hands gripped his slick back while her spread legs were at his mercy. One sharp thrust had her back arching and her crying out louder than she wanted. She bit her lower lip subdue her screams. They couldn't be heard.

"Scream," he commanded.

"What?"

"I wanna hear you scream."

"Goku, I can't…." ChiChi panted. "Our son may hear us…Ah!" Her eyes squeezed shut. She was so close.

"He won't," Goku's heavy breath fanned her face. "Stop holding back." Goku slid into her harder, annoyed at her refusal. "I wanna hear you…"

Her hips bounced at his forceful pounding. Not much longer. She could feel it. "I…ah… I…." ChiChi buried her face in the pillow to muffle her scream but Goku turned her face towards him. He held her in place as he moved faster against him. "Goku….. stop…. I'm…."

"Scream," Goku commanded her. His gaze was tense; his hair glowed. Another hard thrust and her back rose off the bed as she gave in and screamed at her intense orgasm. Her sweaty body dropped on the bed; her breath came in heavy pants as Goku focused on his release, thrusting faster until his body still and he roared over her.

ChiChi watched mesmerized only see this side of Goku. It always heated her insides when this side came out. His hot breath warmed her neck as she caressed him in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

"Are you hurt?" she heard him say.

"No. It was great."

Eventually, Goku pull out of her. "See?" Goku settled comfortably on his side. "You're worried for nothing. You're not hurt and Gohan didn't hear us." He felt Gohan's Ki. "He's still asleep."

He grinned at her and ChiChi couldn't help laughing. Goku loved to gloat when he's right and she's wrong.

"Good." ChiChi pounced and pinned Goku underneath her. "Because now I'm gonna make you scream."

The clock on the nightstand read 2:47am. Goku didn't fall asleep after his last coupling with ChiChi. He stayed awake and waited for her to sleep. Carefully, Goku gently pried ChiChi off him and slipped out of bed. Keeping an eye on ChiChi, Goku quietly dressed, Goku put two fingers to his forehead and vanished.

Dr. Sims yawned as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Everything was set up. He was surprised to receive this call from Goku. Normally, it's ChiChi who handle the appointments but he was pleased to hear Goku's voice only to be concerned when Goku told him he's been awake for two days, spent a year training in a room when only a day passed. Dr. Sims didn't understand any of that except Goku went against his orders and exercised his heart without a checkup. Goku arranging this and wanting Dr. Sims word he wouldn't talk to ChiChi had him doubly concerned.

He drunk half his coffee when Goku appeared before him. "Why are you in your Super Saiyan form?"

"It's part of my training. I have to maintain this form all the time until the Cell Games."

Dr. Sims didn't care about that. "You're my patient now. Depower so I can thoroughly check you out."

Goku followed orders and returned to his base form. There, the long dreaded physical began. Dr. Sims examined Goku in his base form and his Super Saiyan form. Goku told Dr. Sims of his incidents in the Room of Spirit and Time. Instead of going home, Goku slept on the couch while Dr. Sims studied the results.

Three hours later, Goku was awakened by Dr. Sims. Judging from his grim face, Goku knew the doctor had bad news for him.

"Goku," Dr. Sims sighed, "I wish you came to me after you awakened. Maybe we could've prevented what's happened."

Oh, no. "What did happen?"

"Your heart is damaged, Goku. That medicine cured the heart virus but you didn't fully recover."

"But I woke up from the virus," Goku thought Dr. Sims was mistaken. "I'm cured."

Dr. Sims thought of another way to explain. "Last week, I performed open heart surgery to save my patient's life. I fixed the issue in my patient's heart but my patient wasn't ready to resume his normal activities. His heart still needed to heal. It's the same with you, Goku. The medicine wiped away the heart virus but your body wasn't completely healed. You resumed your normal training activities before that happened and you damaged your heart in the process."

Goku recalled the fever and the tiredness he felt early in his training. "So, that fever….."

"That was your body warning you it wasn't ready." Dr. Sims shrugged, "Maybe in another month or two you could've been but that doesn't mean you would've been completely the same."

Dr. Sims swiped a screen on his tablet. He flipped it for Goku to see. There were two images of a heart. Both were dark pink and red in color. "This is your heart three months ago, Goku. The one on the left is your heart in your normal state. The one on the right is your heart as a Super Saiyan. When you're in this form, your heart, like the rest of your body, enlarges but it's still healthy." Dr. Sims swiped to pull up the next screen. "This is your heart today in your normal and Super Saiyan form. Notice the difference?"

Goku stared at the images. The heart on the left was a lighter pink and red with a four thin yellow streaks. The one on the right, the Super Saiyan heart, had the same lighter colors but the yellow streaks were thicker.

"Um, it's a little more yellow."

Dr. Sims nodded grimly. "Right. It means your heart is damaged. A healthy heart functions at 70% or higher. 55% to 70% is good, too. You can live a normal life and perform normal activities but it is not good for Super Saiyan activity. Before you got sick, your heart function over 90% in both forms. Now in your normal state, your heart functions at 80%. As a Super Saiyan, it functions at 70%. We both know in your Super Saiyan form you burn more energy and over time it can be a strain on your body. What you've done in that room—maintaining yourself as a Super Saiyan all day even doing normal activities—is phenomenal, but," Dr. Sims warned, "because your heart functions at 80% in your normal state, 70% as a Super Saiyan, when you try to go higher it continues to drops.

"Right now, you can't ascend like your son because Gohan's heart is still strong and growing. He also never had a heart complications like you. At the rate you're going, you risk suffering immediate heart failure if you keep pushing yourself. Your heart is so damaged it can't maintain a higher form." Dr. Sims could see it on Goku's face this news was not what he wanted to hear. With all the bad news, Dr. Sims wanted to give Goku hope. "The good news is you can live a normal life as you are now if you quit fighting. You have peaked and can't go any further. If you try to, you could risk immediate heart failure and die."

Quit fighting? That wasn't something he could do. "But I have to fight. If I don't fight Cell then Gohan—"

"I know," Dr. Sims knew what will happen in now eight days but he was concerned for Goku's health, too. "It's not an easy decision. If you can beat Cell as a Super Saiyan, you should be fine but if you ascend, you'll die."

"There's no medicine I can take to heal my heart?" There had to be another way. "You told me because I'm an alien your machines may not read everything correctly."

"My machines are designed for humans but I haven't been completely wrong in my analysis of you." Dr. Sims never saw Goku worry before but he tried to bring some hope to him. "You're not human and I'm still learning things about you. Maybe your heart can heal enough for you to eventually ascend but it won't happen now. Make this fight with Cell your last. After the games, we'll continue to monitor your heart and prescribe medicine that may help get your heart functioning higher. Then we can see if ascending is possible."

Goku remained hopeful but he suspected this possibility in the Room of Spirit and Time. Dr. Sim's diagnosis confirmed it. "One more fight and then I'll quit for good."

The sun was rising when Goku left Dr. Sims' office. If he went home now, ChiChi will know something is wrong and she wouldn't stop pushing until she got the truth. He couldn't risk telling ChiChi about his visit with Dr. Sims until after the Cell Games.

Goku landed in Aki's backyard. It was only two weeks but it felt like he hadn't seen Aki in months. Not that it mattered if they didn't see each other but this morning, Goku really wanted to talk to his friend. Goku knocked on the door and waited.

Goku waited a few moments before a sleepy Aki opened the door. "Goku?" Aki's face lit up. "Goku! You're well again! Oh, man. I'm so glad you're awake! Have you been told about Cell?"

"I know about him. I met him yesterday. He's….. very powerful."

Goku wasn't smiling and there was something in his voice that bothered Aki. "My family's still sleeping. We won't be disturbed. Come in."

Goku sat at Aki's table while Aki leaned against a counter drinking coffee. Goku told Aki about Cell but left out his meeting with Dr. Sims and the incidents in the Room of Spirit and Time.

Aki sipped his coffee. "So, Krillin and Vegeta really fucked things up for the whole world?"

The anger was evident in Aki's voice. Goku understood but he felt he had to defend Vegeta and Krillin. "They made a mistake."

"A mistake that can cost all of us our lives. I have a wife and two daughters who may not live to be adults because of them." Aki cursed again. "I know they are your friends, Goku, but damn!" Aki slammed his coffee mug down and spilled hot coffee on the counter. Mumbling another curse, Aki away wiped the hot liquid and poured himself a second cup. "And I hate to be that person, Goku, but if you destroyed Dr. Gero's lab three years ago, we wouldn't be in this situation."

"No." Goku agreed with Aki they wouldn't be in this situation. "It might have been worst." At Aki's questioning gaze, Goku explained, "When I was in the Room of Spirit of Time, I thought I made a mistake not stopping Dr. Gero three years ago because I wanted to fight, too, but I realized if I did destroy the Artificial Humans, we would still have problems."

"How?"

"Cell. Cell came to Earth from a different timeline. He's been here for three years and no one knew until days ago."

"Not even Trunks?" Aki thought the young man from the future would know. Goku shook his head. "Wasn't Cell at Dr. Gero's lab with the Artificial Humans?"

"He was several feet underground. When Trunks destroyed the lab trying to prevent the Artificial Humans from coming to life, he didn't know about Cell. He didn't even feel him. Krillin and Trunks came back later to destroy the Cell in this timeline after meeting the one I will fight next week."

"Damn." Now Aki understood. "Even if you destroyed them three years ago, you would've carried on with life as if the world was at peace again."

Goku nodded. "I would've trained but not as hard as I did in these three years. Vegeta and Piccolo would've trained, too, but no one else would've. We would've been much weaker against Cell. Some of us could've been absorbed by him. We might not have a chance against Cell if I destroyed the lab three years ago but we have a chance now."

"A chance." That wasn't inspiring to hear. Goku never said he had chance. He always knew he will win. "Cell's still stronger than you?"

"He's a lot stronger than I expected." He saw worry on Aki's face. "Cell will be defeated, Aki."

That didn't comfort Aki. His friend of ten years was hiding something. "Goku, when we talked about the Artificial Humans, you were confident you'll defeat them. You kept saying you have enough time to be ready for them. You're not saying that with Cell." Aki looked at his friend. Oh, yeah. He was hiding something big. "Are you saying Cell will be defeated because you plan on sacrificing yourself?"

"I don't plan on sacrificing myself."

"But that's an option on the table." When Goku didn't respond, Aki tried to reason with him. "Goku, you have a wife and kid. You can't do that to them."

"Gohan and ChiChi will be reason why I do it." Goku knew what it meant sacrificing himself and with the dragon balls gone, he knew there will be no return from this. "As long as everything go as plan, I won't die."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then I'll do what I have to do."

The gravity of Goku's voice was very rare for Aki to hear. As husband and father, too, Aki understood Goku's reason but as a man who lost his father at a young age and had to support his mother and younger sister, he knew what that lost did and he didn't want that for Goku's family. "There's isn't another way? Can't you go back in that room and get stronger?"

Goku wished it was that easy. "I'm as strong as I can be. I can't go any further."

Aki never known Goku to talk about his limits. Anything was possible with him. Why not now? "You said the dragon balls are gone. Can't Kami and Piccolo unmerge so the dragon balls can come back?"

Goku chuckled. He thought about that, too. He'll have to ask Piccolo about that when he comes out of the Room of Spirit of Time but Goku had a feeling it wasn't possible. Even if he could, it wouldn't change anything. "It doesn't work that way."

"Well, dammit, it should!"

"Even if it did, Aki, I've already been wished back. You can't use the same wish twice."

Aki sighed. He crossed his arms trying to think of something that could save Goku when his daughter, Kala, walked in the room. He smiled at his four-year-old with her wild bed hair. As soon as she saw Goku, her face lit up and she ran to wrap her arms around his leg.

"Uncle Goku!"

Goku laughed and picked up Kala. "Hey, Kala! You're growing really fast." Goku rose and tossed Kala in the air a few times much to the child's delightful laugh and giggles.

"Play toys with me," Kala told Goku.

"Sorry, Kala. Uncle Goku has to go home now."

Before Goku could put Kala down, Aki stopped him. "Kala, I want you to give Uncle Goku your biggest hug. Hug him really tight and good."

Kala squeezed Goku really tight like her father told her. Goku returned the little girl's hug before gently putting her down on her feet.

"Reia is still asleep but I can wake up her and the baby so you can say goodbye." Goku told him he didn't plan on dying but Aki knew as grave things were, this was possibly the last time he'll see Goku. "Just in case."

Goku shook his head. "It's not a good idea. Reia may say something to ChiChi. I don't want ChiChi or Gohan to worry before the Cell Games."

Aki accepted Goku's decision. It was the right one. Aki stared at his friend for ten years. He remembered their first meeting and how innocent and naïve Goku was. It was very strange to see given Goku's power. He had his concerns about his princess' choice in a husband but he took a chance on Goku. They easily became friends and Aki found himself acting like a big brother to Goku. He watched Goku grow from a clueless man not knowing about marriage to a father and husband who was adored by his family and ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for them.

Aki put a hand on Goku's shoulder. "Goku, do what you have to do. If you have to make that sacrifice, don't worry. I'll check in on Gohan and ChiChi for you. I'll make sure they….." his voice shook as he tried to control his emotions. "They'll be fine. I promise." He pulled Goku in for a hug. A sob escaped his voice. "You're like the little brother I always wanted." Aki held Goku for a few moments before a firm pat on his back from Goku told him that was enough. Aki stepped away. He noticed Goku's arms hung at his sides and he wore a solemn look on his face. Goku wasn't the affectionate type except towards his family. "I know. I know. I should toughen up. Everything will be fine and we'll be laughing at this next week but if it doesn't….."

"I know." Goku understood. He appreciated Aki's friendship and what he's willing to do if he dies at the Cell Games. Krillin and Yamcha were his oldest male friends but he couldn't have this conversation with them. They'd panic and worry about dying at the Cell Games. Aki had his concerns for himself and his family but he also had concerns for Goku and his family. Goku had a brother but never a brotherly relationship. Aki was his closest to experiencing that concept.

Feeling at peace for his family's future, Goku decide to return to his family and enjoy the days he have left… just in case. He walked towards to door. Aki followed holding his daughter in his arms. "ChiChi should have breakfast ready. I think I'll fly home instead of teleporting in the kitchen."

Aki smiled despite feeling horrible this may be the last time he see his friend. "You still scare the hell out of her when you do that?"

Goku genuinely laughed as he stepped outside. "Every time." He jumped in the sky and looked back at his friend. With a smile and wave, Goku flew off.

Kala happily waved at Goku. "Bye, Uncle Goku! Come back soon!" Kala noticed her father looking sad as a tear dropped from one eye. "Daddy, why are you sad? You're crying."

"Nothing, Sweetheart. Just Daddy's way of saying goodbye to his friend."

ChiChi was awake and making breakfast when Goku walked in his home. From the loud sounds she made in the kitchen, ChiChi was upset. Waking up and finding herself alone probably did tick her off. She was upset but after meeting with Dr. Sims and talking with Aki, Goku just wanted to hold ChiChi and forget everything.

"Where did you go?!" ChiChi had her back to Goku as she furiously stirred her bowl. "I wake up and you're not in bed. You're nowhere in the house! With eight days before the Cell Games, I don't need you disappearing on me like this!" When Goku didn't respond, ChiChi yelled, "I want an—" she was suddenly silenced when Goku arms circled her and his head rest on her shoulder. Her anger melted and her concern rose. "Goku?" Goku will be quiet when she yelled at him but this mannerism was different.

"Remember before Gohan started preschool, we went on that picnic by the lake?"

"Yes?" ChiChi said slowly. Why was Goku bringing this up?

"Let's do that again. Today. Make that yummy food again. All of it and let's go there."

"I….." ChiChi hesitated. What was wrong with Goku? He wasn't needy like this. "We can't go on a picnic. We have Gohan's birthday party today. Oh!" That reminded her. "I called Dad this morning. He wants us to have the party at his castle."

"Okay," Goku gave in. "We'll do that today and go on the picnic tomorrow." Goku squeezed ChiChi gently. "Please?"

A lump formed in ChiChi's throat. Something was wrong. She knew it but what? "I guess we could but I need to go to the store and get a few items."

Goku's hands moved from her waist to cup her breasts. "Send Gohan."

"Hmm?"

"Send Gohan to the store." He massaged her breasts. "After breakfast, send him away. I want to go to bed with you."

ChiChi's head turned to his. First, he was begging her and now he sounded lustful. "What?! Goku, I—mmmph!" her mouth was covered by his. Initially, she protested his kiss but his firm lips and persuasive tongue had ChiChi responding. Her eyes opened when Goku moved away from the kiss. There was something about the look in his eyes, ChiChi found troubling. Something was wrong. "Where did you go?"

"Nowhere special." Goku shoved his hands in his pockets and stepped away.

"You're lying to me," ChiChi accused him. "Your side of the bed was cold. You were gone for hours. Now tell me where you went!"

She wouldn't stop until she got the truth. He had to think of something. It wasn't a lie but it would mislead her from what bothered him. "It's been a year, ChiChi. You were tired and I had to get away to distract myself." He heard the serving spoon in her hand drop. He got her. "Remember how I felt when I came back from Yardrat? It's worse."

"Oh," ChiChi whispered. "I…. I see." Goku turned to ChiChi and she immediately turned away from him. "I understand. Perhaps, it will be good if Gohan left the house for a little bit. I'll make the list. Clean up and wake up Gohan. Breakfast should be ready in thirty minutes."

ChiChi picked the spoon off the floor just as Goku left. Wait. I wasn't that tired and Goku never left when he was still….

Goku never lied to her but he did hide things from her. ChiChi didn't doubt he felt lustful but something else was bothering him.

I wonder if he's hiding his real feelings about the Cell Games.

Goku flew to Gohan instead of teleporting. Gohan was nowhere near the marketplace the family went to for shopping. As Goku came upon a village, he spotted a crowd of people and a large dome but what really surprised Goku was Gohan facing off against Mercenary Tao. Goku hadn't seen him since the last tournament! Goku kept his distance but flew low enough to hear what's going on.

Someone ran a scam on the people of this village and hired Mercenary Tao as their protector. Goku chuckled as his son faced off against his old foe. He watched with pride as Gohan blocked the Dodon Wave and when he told Mercenary Tao he's Son Goku's son, laughed as Mercenary Tao ran away like a coward. Gohan explained to the people the dome built to protect them will not keep them safe from Cell but to have faith Cell will be defeated. With a single blast of his Ki, Gohan destroyed the dome to the horror of the people but pride of his father.

Gohan's become so brave. I know he will defeat Cell.

Goku made himself known. After talking to an old man who begged he beat Cell, Goku and Gohan left for home. Goku noticed Gohan clutching the bag of items he bought for ChiChi. "I told you to take your time but how come you're way out here?"

"I went to the marketplace we usually go to and it's closed. So were two other places. Because of the Cell Games, a lot of people are scared and stores are closing." Gohan looked back the village they left. "Dad, we have to beat Cell."

"Don't worry, Gohan." After what he saw today, Goku had even more confidence in Gohan. "We will."

"Is Mom mad at me?" Gohan asked worried. "I know I'm really late."

"Mad?" Goku thought back to what happened at home.

"One more."

"No."

"We can be quick."

"That's what you said last time and you jumped me in the shower." ChiChi shrieked. "Ah! Goku, stop that!" Her shriek turned to giggles as she struggled to leave the bathroom with Goku's arms around her. Since her body was still wet from the shower, ChiChi easily slipped out of Goku's arms. Goku approached her with a sly grin but ChiChi held a hand out to him. "Now stop." She picked up her towel. "We have a lot to do today." ChiChi dried herself off. "I still have to make Gohan's birthday cake."

"Ain't the people at Gyu-Mao's castle cooking the food?"

"They are but I want to bake a cake for Gohan." As she wrapped the towel around her body, ChiChi noticed the clock on the nightstand. She screamed. "Goku, it's been two hours! Gohan should've been back." She smacked his bare chest. "I can't believe you kept me distracted this long!"

Goku rubbed his chest. "Ow! You weren't saying no."

"Every time I said we should stop, you distracted me. The wall, the bed and the shower." ChiChi growled at herself for being so irresponsible. "Gohan's not back. Something's wrong. He could be hurt."

"Gohan's the strongest on the planet now." Goku eyed ChiChi as she stood before the bedroom closet. His eyes swept the bite marks he give ChiChi on her back, arms, legs and pert backside. He can easily grab ChiChi and pin her to bed. All he needed to do is get between her legs.

With a wicked smile, Goku crept to ChiChi. Just as he reached ChiChi something sharp poke his stomach and sent Goku off his feet. He bounced, flipped off his bed and hit the floor. "Ow!" Goku rose to see his irate wife holding his power pole. "This is not the time for jokes! Go find Gohan and bring him back!"

Goku shook his head. "Nah. She was in a good mood until I got her angry."

ChiChi was icing Gohan's birthday cake when Goku and Gohan returned home. After an explanation on what kept Gohan, the family of three packed the cake in the car and drove to Gyu-Mao's kingdom. Before driving to her father's castle, ChiChi suggested they walk through the village to see a few people since it's been many months since they've visited.

ChiChi regretted her decision when she noticed people staring at Goku and Gohan. She forgot until the Cell Games Goku and Gohan insisted on staying in their Super Saiyan forms. Since no one knew Goku's an alien, she had to think fast when Mr. Olitz commented on Goku and Gohan's blonde hair and green eyes.

Mr. Olitz and Mr. Lupp were playing a chess game in front of a store while their wives shopped when the Son Family approached them. Mr. Lupp focused on their chess game while Mr. Olitz stared at Goku and Gohan's new look as he waited for ChiChi's answer.

"Oh, well, you know Goku love trying new things and being his son, Gohan has to imitate him." ChiChi laughed nervously. "Goku wanted to know what he looked like as a blonde and like father, like son."

"Oh, they dyed their hair." Mr. Olitz adjusted his glasses as he noticed Goku and Gohan's eyes. "But their eyes are green, too. You can't dye your eyes."

"Contacts," ChiChi improvised. "It's a new fad going around."

Mr. Olitz chuckled. "I wouldn't know. I'm too old for fads." The kind old man became sad. "But I'm blessed to live as long as I have. I have children and grandchildren. I've seen a lot of things in this world. I never thought I'd live to see it end."

"It's not gonna end," Mr. Lupp moved his bishop piece. "We still have Goku. He'll kick Cell's ass and the world will have the biggest party it's ever seen." He smiled at Goku. "You should come to my house after the fight. I'll have a cold drink for you."

"Don't have faith in that bum!" A crabby voice joined the conversation. "If that lazy miscreant could defeat Cell, he would do it now!" That voice. ChiChi hadn't heard it in years. Whenever they crossed paths, the old woman walked in another direction to avoid ChiChi but this time Mrs. Niver stepped out of the shop looking as contemptuous as ever. With her, stood her grandson, Kaifun.

"Mrs. Niver." ChiChi was at a loss for words. The last time these women spoke were at the Spring Festival while Goku was on Yardrat. She caused a scandalizing scene insulting Goku and accusing him of abandoning his family. ChiChi threatened the woman exile from the village if she ever spoke so harshly about Goku again.

"I warned you…." ChiChi's temper rose. How dare this woman! How dare she speak this way about Goku again!

"You did but who cares now! Exile me all you want! We're gonna be dead in eight days!" the furious old woman glared at Goku. "You," she snarled. "Everyone says you're this great fighter; the strongest in the world. How come you're not fighting Cell?!"

"I will," Goku wasn't offended or threatened by the old woman. "I'm going to the Cell Games."

If the old woman was a few inches taller, she'd slap Goku. "No, you idiot! Fight him now! Why leave the world in a panic for the next eight days if you can kill Cell now! Unless…you can't kill him." She waited but Goku didn't dispute her words. "That's it, isn't it? You can't kill him."

ChiChi expected Goku to say something; tell Mrs. Niver he will beat Cell but his silence was concerning. When Goku returned with Gohan, she was confident Goku got all the training he needed done and will defeat Cell. She never questioned Goku's ability until now. Is Mrs. Niver right?

Despite her yelling, Goku knelt to the old woman. He understood her frustration and knew laughing it off like he did with his friends when they asked if he could defeat Cell wouldn't work with her. Instead he spoke kindly to her. "Cell will be defeated. Don't worry."

"Don't worry?! You stupid idiot!" With Goku closer to her, Mrs. Niver didn't hesitate to use the moment to slap him with all her strength. "Everyone calls you this great fighter; the strongest in the world and you can't do the one thing you're supposed to be good at: fight! I have children, a grandchild and a great-grandchild and we're all gonna die because you're not strong enough to protect us!" She closed her fists and beat against Goku's chest. "Don't you care about your wife and son, you bum! You're wasting your time dying your hair instead training to fight that monster Cell! Do you even care there are billions of lives depending on your sorry ass?!"

ChiChi saw red. It's one thing for anyone to yell at Goku. Sometimes it was deserved but no one hit Goku in ChiChi's presence and got away with it. "Don't you dare hit my husband!"

Goku jumped to his feet and grabbed ChiChi. He held her back from the old woman. He couldn't deny seeing ChiChi ready to fight was a turn on but even he knew this wasn't the time or place!

Kaifun pulled his grandmother away from Goku and ChiChi who struggled in her husband's arms. He held his grandmother close to him as he comforted the crying old woman. "It's okay, Grandma. It's okay."

"No, it's not!" The old woman cried. "We're all gonna die and there's no one to save us!" Mrs. Niver scowled at ChiChi. "Some husband you married." To Gohan, she shook her head with pity, "I feel sorry you have that man as your father."

ChiChi screamed as she reached for Mrs. Niver but Goku's hold on ChiChi tightened.

Kaifun sighed. There was no controlling his grandmother. "Go to the car, Grandma. I'll be there in a moment."

Mr. Olitz rose from his seat. He gently pulled Mrs. Niver from Kaifun. "Come on. Let me take you to your car. You said enough for the day." To the Son Family, Mr. Olitz apologized. "I'm sorry you had to see that." He eyed Kaifun disapproving at his lack of response to silence his grandmother sooner. "Mrs. Niver isn't a well woman."

"I am well!" the old woman struggled in Mr. Olitz's arms as he restrained her.

"You didn't deserve that, Goku," Mr. Olitz said. "I know you'll do your best at the Cell Games. If we do die in eight days, at least I'll be with my family."

"Same with me," Mr. Lupp nodded.

"His best won't be good enough!" Mrs. Niver yelled as she was escorted away. "I only spoke the truth! Something you don't have the guts to say!"

Kaifun shook his head as his grandmother argued with the kind Mr. Olitz. He turned to the Son Family. He knew he should apologize but he agreed with his grandmother. He didn't see the point in lying when he may die in eight days. "My grandmother can be blunt but she's not wrong and I won't apologize for her except…." He looked at Gohan. "I'm sorry you heard that stuff about your Dad, Gohan, but since we will die in eight days and I have a son who won't live to be an adult, there's no reason to hold back our feelings. Grandma's right." To Goku, Kaifun shook his head. "The one thing you're good at, you can't do it to save us all. I feel sorry for Aki and his family, King Gyu-Mao and mostly, our beautiful princess for ever having faith in you."

ChiChi shook with anger. It's bad enough Mrs. Niver and Kaifun spoke this way but to do it in front of her son? ChiChi refused to allow them to get away with this. ChiChi's body glowed as her arms reached for Kaifun. "Let me go, Goku! They can't talk to you that way!"

As Goku restrained ChiChi, Gohan had questions. He knew from his time in that village earlier people's emotions were running high. Cell's threat to destroy the world had many acting volatile, scared and panicky. In times of crisis, he knew people's true nature are revealed. Four years ago, he heard whispers his father wasn't liked by Mrs. Niver and Kaifun. He overheard Mr. Lupp say his father gave Kaifun a black eye. It involved his mother but Gohan never heard the details. This information conflicted with how he was treated by Kaifun. Kaifun was always nice to Gohan. He bought him snacks when he came to the festivals. He asked about his father a lot, too, but Gohan thought Kaifun was being kind. Now Gohan had suspicions that was a ruse, he wanted to know the story of why Kaifun didn't like his father and why it involved his mother.

The lively decorations and vast amount of food at Gyu-Mao's castle were an appreciated welcome for the Son Family. Gohan forgot about the incident with Kaifun and Mrs. Niver when he saw the pile of presents. ChiChi's spirits were lifted seeing Gohan's joy and amusement at all the gifts. Goku, a master at hiding his feelings, always appeared happy but was even more excited at all the food prepared for Gohan's party.

Several pictures were taken of Gohan opening presents and hugging his family for the gifts, eating noodles the same way as his Dad, cutting his birthday cake and giving the first slice to his mother. Stories were shared of past birthdays and special times the family celebrated together.

Near eleven that night, the party was over as servants took away the empty dishes and picked up piles of torn wrapping paper. Gohan laid on the sofa asleep with his arms around the telescope his grandpa gifted him.

ChiChi couldn't resist taking one more picture. "I haven't seen Gohan so worn out since he was a baby. Remember his fourth birthday, Goku? He was on the floor almost buried under the wrapping paper." She laughed. "He was too tired to open all his gifts."

"We spoiled him a lot."

"Maybe," ChiChi agreed. She felt Goku wrap his arms around her. His hands settled on her stomach. "But he's our child and he's gone through a lot. We should spoil him." She leaned on Goku and settled her hands on her husband's. "I can't believe Gohan's nine years old. I still remember him being born and how tiny he was in my arms."

"He sure did cry a lot."

ChiChi giggled. "That's the only way he could talk to us, silly." Sighing happily, she said, "He loved to crawl."

"He loved to climb." Goku corrected her. "Remember how he'd use his tail to climb on us? I remember Gohan climbing on my leg but lost his grip and slid on his butt. He'd cry and held his hands up. He loved being picked up."

"He loved being high," ChiChi corrected him. "He loved flying on Nimbus with one of us holding him." Watching Gohan, ChiChi's heart melted seeing Gohan's left hand slide from holding his telescope to hang off the sofa. "He's so perfect. We have a good son, Goku. Maybe we do spoil him but he is our child. In all our years together, he's our only child."

A squeeze from Goku caused ChiChi to raise her head to meet her husband's intense gaze. As they stared at each other, something passed between them. A feeling. An understanding. A need. They kept putting it off and things got in the way: his death; his year on Yardrat; these last three years preparing for the Artificial Humans. Even with the Cell Games eight days away, somehow Goku and ChiChi knew now is the time to expand their family.

Heavy footsteps approach signaling Goku and ChiChi Gyu-Mao was returning. They released each other but the intense gaze sent between them didn't fade.

"I have the rooms prepared for everyone to stay the night."

"That's okay, Dad," ChiChi declined her father's offer. "Goku and I will go home tonight."

"Are you sure?" Gyu-Mao thought it best they stay. "It is late and Gohan's sleeping."

ChiChi picked up some clothes Gohan got as gifts and placed them back in a shopping bag. "Gohan's dead to the world when he sleeps. He won't feel us moving him." ChiChi looked around all the gifts spread over the room. "But there are so many gifts, Dad. Can we fit them all in our truck?"

"Goku and I will find a way." Gyu-Mao picked up a few gifts. "Come on, Goku. Let's load these in the truck."

While they piled Gohan's gifts in the truck, Gyu-Mao thought now is perfect for him to talk to his son-in-law. "Since the announcement of the Cell Games, things have been tense in the village. The people are very concern these are our last days." Goku listened as he placed Gohan's telescope in the truck. "People have reacted differently. Some are patiently waiting the end and others are acting out terribly." Gyu-Mao placed a chemistry set next to the telescope. "ChiChi told me what happened with Mrs. Niver and Kaifun."

Goku grabbed books and clothes and added it with the other gifts. "They never liked me so I don't care what they said."

"No, but they behaved themselves around Gohan. Since they think the world is ending, they think they can say whatever they want." Gyu-Mao sighed. "I know things haven't been great between us since you came back from Yardrat. There are times I still worry about ChiChi and Gohan. There are still times I want to beat your face in the ground because I can't get that image of ChiChi hurt out of my mind, but I don't feel how Kaifun and Mrs. Niver do. I don't understand how you're not training now but I know you wouldn't be taking things so easily if you didn't have a plan to beat Cell. You love ChiChi and Gohan too much to let them die."

Goku stuffed the last gifts in the truck. "Cell won't win. I won't allow it." Goku turned to Gyu-Mao. "But I need a favor. Can you be with ChiChi when the Cell Games starts?"

It was an easy request that Goku shouldn't ask. Gyu-Mao suspected Goku was hiding something. Goku never asked him for anything. Why now? "Of course, Goku, but tell me what you plan to do? ChiChi and Gohan are my family, too."

Goku couldn't tell Gyu-Mao. It was a big risk he will tell ChiChi and Gohan and Goku couldn't have that before the Cell Games. Still, he had to tell Gyu-Mao something.

"Gohan never fought the Artificial Humans or Cell. He's been on the sidelines for all the fighting. I know ChiChi will want Gohan to stay on the sidelines but we can't win without Gohan. We need him."

"So, Gohan's fighting." This was serious for Goku to admit. Gyu-Mao knew his son-in-law prided himself on fighting alone. For him to swallow his pride and accept help, Goku admitted he couldn't beat Cell alone. No matter how much training he got in that room, he wasn't strong enough.

Gyu-Mao put a supportive hand on Goku's shoulder. "This stays between us and I will be there with ChiChi while you and Gohan save us." Giving Goku's shoulder a firm squeeze, he tells his son-in-law, "After the Cell Games are over, I think you, Gohan and I should go fishing like we did before all this mess with the Saiyans and space adventures started. I want a good relationship with my son-in-law again."

Goku flashed a cheerful grin at Gyu-Mao. He'd like that, too. "That'll be great."

Gohan awakened early the next morning confused. He last remembered being in Grandpa's castle celebrating his birthday. He think he fell asleep there but how did he get in his bed? Gohan yawned while stretching his arms over his head. His body was still adjusting from being in that room. His bed and desk felt smaller; some of his clothes didn't fit. Grandpa bought him new outfits but half the clothes were snug since he grew so much in that room.

That room. Gohan still wished he understood what his Dad was thinking. Was leaving early the right decision? If Cell is stronger than him, then how did Dad expect to beat him?

Gohan's worried thoughts were taken away by an aroma entering his room. Mom's cooking! Looking out his window, Gohan noticed the sky getting lighter. Was it time to eat breakfast? This early?

Hungry, Gohan left his room. He heard the voices of his parents as he neared the kitchen. He paused in the doorway. There was something about the closeness of his parents and the way Dad looked at Mom, Gohan thought was strange. Curious, Gohan crept back unseen.

Goku stood by the stove as ChiChi pull the turkey from the oven. "That smells so good, ChiChi. Can I taste it?"

ChiChi placed the turkey pan on the counter. "Goku, this is for our picnic. Remember the one you wanted that forced me to not get a lot of sleep because there's so much to cook?" Adjusting the temperature on the oven, ChiChi placed two more prepared dishes in the oven.

"I know but I really have to eat something." Gohan noticed his father tug a piece of his mother's ear in his mouth. Why did he do that? "And you won't let me eat what I really want." And why did his voice get so low?

Gohan noticed Mom push away Dad with her hips as she cut the turkey. "Go back to bed. I have to finish prepping food for this picnic and I need to make breakfast….." Mom stopped talking as Dad stood behind her. Why was Dad pressed so close to Mom? "Goku….."

"Can I have some turkey?" Dad put his hand over Mom. He helped her cut the turkey. "One little piece?"

After a long pause Gohan heard his mother say, "Fine." Mom may be strict but Dad always found a way to get his way. Mom turn to Dad. She held a small piece of turkey meat in her hands. "Here. Eat and go to bed."

Gohan assumed Dad would take the piece from Mom and put it in his mouth. Instead, he wrapped a hand around Mom's wrist and put her fingers holding the meat in his mouth. Why would Dad do that?

Neither parent said anything as Dad slowly pulled Mom's fingers out of his mouth. Dad smiled at Mom but it wasn't his usual smiles. It was a smile reserved for a fight. Seconds ticked as Mom and Dad stared at each other. Gohan's cheeks burned at what he saw next.

Gohan witnessed his parents kiss before. Most of the times the kisses were quick pecks on the lips or cheek. The longest kissed he saw occurred when his Dad came back from Yardrat. They were kissing for a very long time. Dad's hands were touching Mom in a way Gohan never saw before. Was one of Dad's hands going inside Mom's robe?

Gohan turned away. Mom and Dad wanted were having alone time and he shouldn't be spying. He thought to return to his room when he heard voices from his parents.

Seconds before, ChiChi grabbed Goku's hand and pushed it and him away to break the kiss. She put a hand over her rapidly rising and falling chest. "No." ChiChi shook her head. "Too early, Goku. Gohan will be up soon. I'm cooking and….." she saw the lust in his face. "Don't look at me like that." He smiled at her. "Please, don't. Just go to bed."

Goku grabbed both of ChiChi's hands. "How long will the food cook?"

ChiChi knew what he was thinking. She should stop him but she didn't want to. "Thirty….." she said breathless. "Maybe forty minutes."

Goku's grin widen. He walked backwards as he pull ChiChi with him. "That's enough time."

Time? Gohan wondered. What did Dad mean? Seeing his parents were leaving the kitchen, Gohan quickly and quietly went back to his room. Safely in his room, Gohan heard his parents' murmured voices again.

"Maybe we should wait," ChiChi was heard saying as she walked past Gohan's door. "I still have other things to prepare."

"You can do that after," Goku told her. "We have all day for our picnic. Besides," his voice got lower again. "There's something we have to make. We agreed last night."

Make? Shouldn't Mom and Dad go in the kitchen if they want to make something?

ChiChi giggled. "We did when we came home."

"You know it can take more than one time," Goku responded slyly. "How many was it for Gohan?"

Me? What did I do?

"Shh!" ChiChi hushed Goku. "Goku, just go back to sleep for an hour. You woke up too early-"

"Your cooking woke me up."

"I have other foods to prepare for the picnic and I haven't started on breakfast."

Curious, Gohan cracked opened the door "Gohan and I can get our own breakfast," Goku kept walking backwards to their bedroom. He refused to let ChiChi go. "We'll finish before the food's done in the oven. Heh. I'll go easy on you."

Done with what? What was Dad going easy with Mom on? Gohan wondered.

Not watching his steps, Goku bumped into the bedroom door. ChiChi put a hand over her mouth to stifle her laugh. "Oh, Goku," ChiChi couldn't stop laughing at Goku's pouting face as he rubbed his head. The mood was gone. ChiChi turned from him. "I'll go easy on you by letting you go to bed, Goku. I'll go back to the kitchen and-"

Goku grabbed ChiChi's hand and yanked her to him. His pouting face erased to a more lustful gaze. "Goku….." her breathless voice was silenced as Goku kissed her again.

From his cracked door, Gohan watched his parents' bedroom door open, them nearly fall into the room before the door closed shut. "Well, that was strange." Shrugging, Gohan got back in bed. Breakfast wouldn't be ready for a while. Gohan didn't understand his parents' behavior right now but he knew enough to understand Mom and Dad wanted to be alone. As much as Gohan loved being around his Dad, he often forgot Mom and Dad wanted to be around each other, too.

Gohan noticed his parents were in a very odd mood the rest of the day. He slept another hour and a half before his Dad woke him to get a fish for breakfast. Dad was always in a good mood but he was extra chipper today. Mom was humming a lot in the kitchen as she finished food for the picnic they were having later.

Near noon, the family of three drove to a lake along the countryside for their picnic. As his parents talked and music played on the radio, Gohan reminisced. He had memories of the family riding in the truck together as Dad drove them places. Gohan preferred riding Nimbus but he liked riding in the family truck, too.

A lot has changed over the years. Except one thing.

His family. He was younger but Gohan remembered how happy they all were riding together. Oh, there were times Mom would tell Dad to slow down or that he hit something but he remembered the laughs between them, Mom and Dad occasionally peeking in the mirror to look back at him as they did now.

Though times were happier then Gohan couldn't remember seeing this affection and playfulness between his parents. He was younger and probably not as observant but he never noticed it.

Maybe it's because of Dad getting sick and all the fighting that's causing this. Mom was really worried about Dad. I don't think she slept much while he was sick. In the Room of Spirit and Time, Dad missed Mom, too. Maybe that's why they've been so affectionate with each other lately.

The affection continued at the picnic. Sometimes Mom fed Dad. She would playfully shove him when he made her laugh; he'd whisper in her ear a few times that left her blushing. After the food was eaten, Dad laid in Mom's lap. Gohan worried if they should be taking things so easily with the Cell Games in seven days but for today, he decided to do like his Dad said. Forget what's coming and have a good time.

Grabbing an apple, Gohan hovered in the air. He loudly munched on the sweet fruit and enjoyed the sun of the spring afternoon.

"Showoff!"

Gohan looked down at his parents grinning at him. The word came from his mother. "What, Mom?"

"I want to fly," ChiChi confessed as she played with the blonde spikes of Dad's hair. "It looks like fun and you showing off makes me jealous."

"I ain't teaching you," Goku refused.

"Why not?"

"Because you'll follow us to a fight. Ow!" Goku winced at ChiChi pulling his hair. "That hurts, ChiChi! Let go!"

"I can call Nimbus if I wanna do that," ChiChi reminded him. She released his hair. "He's my friend. He helped me beat you up."

Gohan nearly dropped his apple. "You beat Dad in a fight, Mom?"

ChiChi laughed cockily. "You bet I did! And your father knows it."

"You cheated!"

Gohan lowered himself back to the picnic blanket. He wanted to hear this story! "When did this happen?"

"When you were on the way to Namek, your father escaped the hospital. A nurse called me at 5am to tell me what your father did."

"Uh-oh," Gohan giggled. "I bet you were mad."

"I was furious. Your father was still in bandages and he's trying to train."

"I couldn't sit in that bed all day," Goku defended himself. "I needed to start training."

"You weren't ready." ChiChi playfully smacked his forehead. "Since your father wasn't strong enough to fly, he called Nimbus. I knew your father wasn't strong to do anything on his own so I called Nimbus, too, and it took me to your father."

Gohan noticed his Dad was blushing! Gohan never saw his Dad blush before. "What did you do when you found Dad?"

"I screamed at him and fought him to prove he wasn't ready to train." ChiChi looked so smug at Goku who rolled his eyes. "I slapped him, kicked him, punch him and when Dad jumped in the air to get away from me, I hopped on Nimbus, flew to him and beat him down some more." Gohan rolled on the picnic blanket laughing. "Oh, it was so much fun, Gohan!"

"Ha. Ha," Goku said dryly as he sat up. ChiChi was having too much fun recounting this story to their son. "I still held my own."

"You did," ChiChi agreed, "until I unleashed my Kamehameha Wave on you."

Gohan stopped laughing. "You know how to do the Kamehameha Wave?"

"Of course I do," ChiChi said haughtily. "I'm a student of the Turtle School, too, and my Kamehameha Wave knocked your Dad out."

Stunned, Gohan looked from his Mom to Dad and broke out in giggles again.

Goku's arms crossed his chest. It was fine for him and ChiChi to have this secret between each other but ChiChi was getting carried away. "In my defense, I was still weak."

ChiChi ignored Goku as she stood. "Gohan, you should've seen your father. When I hit him with the wave, he staggered," ChiChi imitated Goku's stumbling, "like this and then he fell flat on the ground!" Gohan clutch his sides laughing. "He was so weak I had to carry him back to the airship!" ChiChi sat beside Goku again unaware of his annoyance with her. "Your father learned his lesson, Gohan. He didn't sneak out of the hospital again and he waited until the senzu beans were ready."

Gohan's sides were hurting and tears sprang from his eyes. "I thought Mom giving me that hair cut was bad but you, Dad….." Gohan could not stop laughing.

ChiChi laughed, too, until she noticed Goku glaring at her with his arms crossed. She kissed him to show she meant no harm but Goku didn't respond. "Anyway, that story should stay between us, Gohan. It's a family secret."

"Sure, Mom," Gohan agreed. "But it would be really funny if everyone else knew!"

Gohan continued laughing unaware of his father's deepening glare at his mother. "Come on, Gohan," ChiChi tried to get her son to stop laughing. "Let's pack up everything. We have to go into town and exchange some of the clothes Grandpa got you."

Gohan helped gather the picnic boxes but that didn't stop a few snickers from leaving his mouth. ChiChi opened the truck bed cover and took the boxes from Gohan. "Go and sit down, Gohan. Dad and I have this." Gohan obeyed unaware of the tension between his parents. ChiChi settled the boxes on one side while Goku placed his boxes and the picnic blanket on the other side.

ChiChi waited until Goku closed the truck bed cover before speaking. "I'm sorry if you're upset but why are you mad? It's a funny story. Unless," now she was getting annoyed, "you're upset I beat you up."

"I don't care about that but that story is only for us to know. You said as a married couple, there are things that happens between us that stays between us. That fight is one of them."

He was serious. ChiChi had no idea her sharing that story with Gohan would bother Goku. "If I'd known, it bothered you, I wouldn't have told Gohan." ChiChi raised herself on her toes and kissed him. "Forgive me?"

Goku knew ChiChi didn't mean any harm and it was a funny story. But only for them. "I forgive you, ChiChi." ChiChi flashed him her pretty smile. "But we are having that rematch."

"Okay." ChiChi poked his chest "But don't think you being a Super Saiyan will stop me from giving my best. I'll find a way to win."

"Really?" ChiChi's determination aroused Goku.

ChiChi gasped as Goku pushed his hips against her, pinning her between her husband and the back of the truck. "Wha….." she broke off as Goku pressed harder. "Goku," she whispered. "Gohan's watching."

Goku saw Gohan in the backseat. Their son looked ahead. He was oblivious to what was happening behind him. "He's fine, but you," his voice dropped again, "won't be when I'm done with you tonight."

A rose blush crept on ChiChi's cheeks as she squeaked. "What?"

Instead of explaining himself, Goku released ChiChi. Smirking, he went over to the driver's side and got in the truck. ChiChi climbed in the trunk and sent curious side glances to her husband. She didn't say anything until they were in town and noticed no cars were on the streets, no people were outside and all the shops were closed.

"Nothing's opened." Goku looked at the signs on each window. "All the shops are closed."

"Who wants to work when they're gonna die in seven days?" ChiChi was hopeful but suspected stores wouldn't be open since Gohan told her villages near home closed their stores. "So much for exchanging Gohan's clothes and getting some shopping of our own done." ChiChi sighed. "I guess we should go home, Goku."

The music playing on the radio broke off as breaking news reported the Royal Defense Force of King Furry's military were heading to Cell to launch an attack. Goku immediately parked the car. Goku, ChiChi and Gohan listened as the reporter on scene describe the attack with Goku screaming they leave before they are killed.

Rapid fire of guns and exploding bombs sounded through the radio. The military thought they were victorious until the smoke cleared and Cell stood unharmed. When the military forces realized their folly and attempted to retreat, the Son Family listened as the sounds of tanks and airplanes zoomed in the background as soldiers screamed orders to distance themselves from Cell until it was suddenly silenced.

"They're dead," ChiChi whispered as static came from the radio. "Cell killed them all, didn't he?"

Goku turned off the radio. His hand shook with rage. "No…." Goku couldn't believe this. They all died for nothing! Dammit! Why didn't they stay home?!

"Goku, I cannot be Kami forever. This world needs a Guardian. It needs dragon balls. My time will come to an end here. I don't want to leave this planet without a Guardian."

Goku knew there will be sacrifices with Cell and the Artificial Humans but Goku thought the sacrifices will come from him and his friends; not the innocent people of this planet. Kami was right. The world needed dragon balls and he needed to find a way to bring them back.

Part 30: Family Ties: Part Two

AN: Writing Goku's time with Gohan and ChiChi was too long so I split it in two chapters.

On a personal I relate Goku's heart issue on a family member. He had heart disease and an eventual heart attack. It wasn't until years later I watched Goku suffering from the heart virus it clicked with me Goku's screaming was like a mini heart attack. Even after someone goes through heart surgery or get medication for their heart there is no way it's physically possible to go back to your regular activities immediately which is what Goku did in the Room of Spirt of Time. I think he damaged his heart where he couldn't ascend because he jumped back into training so soon. When he died, he wasn't confined to mortal limits so he could ascend to Super Saiyan Three but when the Kai gave his life to Goku, I think he revived Goku where his body is completely healthy so he could fight Majin Boo.

As I explained in earlier chapters, I think it's realistic the Son Family drive a truck instead of a car since they live in the mountains and all their groceries will not fit in a regular car.

In the manga Bulma didn't bring baby Trunks with her to Kami's Temple. It makes sense she left baby Trunks at home since the last time she went out to aide her friends in a possible dangerous area, she and baby Trunks almost got killed. Bulma and Vegeta needed to have a talk on both of their blunders.

I altered from the manga on ChiChi's reaction because Toriyama was once again going for a joke and not being realistic. ChiChi did tell Goku to make Gohan as strong as possible and after three years, while shocked to see Gohan as one, she should know what a Super Saiyan looks like.