Echoes of a Dream
Feeling a chill creep up her arm and pricking her senses, she stirred without opening her eyes. Sighing at the cool stimulation, she rolled over brushing her goose pimpled arm with the warm cover hoping to abate the feeling. As she began to fall into the pull of sleep that tugged at her, the growing need to assess her surroundings had become greater.
Slowly parting one eyelid and then the other, she was not met with the light of dawn. The room was still darkened. And as her focus returned, she could see the familiar figure laid in that hallowed spot. With only the gleam of eyes casting over her barely woken form and the trademark hair casting a shadow, a sleepy smile crept over her face at the thought that he had met her in her dreams again.
"How are you Chi-Chi?" He calmly and softly asked.
She tentatively reached out to touch his silhouette, craving the connection with his once ever warm skin. Expecting to hit a cold and empty mattress at the end of her movement, she was dumbstruck when she met with solid muscle that tensed upon contact. Connecting with his eyes and deepening her smile, she opened her mouth to speak but no words could leave. Instead, with all the strength she could muster, she gripped the side of his chest that her hand first fell upon and reached her other hand around and through Goku's wild hair. She fiercely pulled him towards her, until their lips crashed together with a passion that transcended the words that she couldn't form.
Once that connection was remade, it all came flooding back, as if their lives had been on pause his entire absence. They resumed as if no time had passed at all.
Releasing from their lip-lock with heavy breaths, her endearing look acted as an invitation. He lifted his hand, brushing her tousled midnight hair off her shoulder and let his fingers dance achingly slow down her arm, his forearm dragging the covers with him as his hand descended to meet with her hip. Hovering over the fleshy curves, he halted and stared earnestly into her big brown eyes, as if seeking permission.
Like many of her other dreams of him, Chi-Chi was impatient, fed up with waiting, fed up with longing, she wanted this man and his all-encompassing embrace. She craved his desire for her, as he would all but ravage her body in intense sessions, that were usually sparked by his response to her fiery nature.
This sleepy earthling woman pushed forcefully on his chest, tipping the Saiyan over to lay flat on his back with a confused smile on his face. Before he could process her actions or utter a sound, she had pulled herself on top of him, having hitched up her silk nightdress so that her curvaceous but athletic legs straddled his muscular body with an air of authority and dominance about her.
With a slow gulp, Goku briefly considered his vulnerability but acknowledged her position and tentatively put his large hands on the outer sides of her thighs that laid either side of him. Leaning over towards his face and lifting herself partially from his abdomen, Chi-Chi gripped over the tops of his hands forcing them harder onto her skin. The feeling of his rough, strong and warm hands holding her firmly, caused a light moan to pass from her lips. This was enough encouragement for him and he began to understand what she desired.
With this newfound knowledge, he firmly ran his hands up her thighs to her hips and gripped again. Letting another moan escape, her gaze deepened and she sank her fingers into his shoulders, eliciting a grunt from Goku.
Leaning in closer over him, their hot breath tickling each other, she whispered tantalisingly slowly, "I need you and I have needed you so much", before plunging her lips onto his and kissing with such passion. In that kiss, she conveyed her desire and her unrelenting love for him.
It was like a switch had been flicked in his head. A sudden realisation that he needed her too and right now, right the moment.
Faster than she could possibly comprehend, Goku had flipped their positions. With Chi-Chi now laid on her back grasping hold of him and sinking into his side of the bed, whilst he held his position on top of her. She smiled against his lips and he gripped her hips once more, his hands gradually trailing up her body whilst firmly caressing her supple skin and raising her nightdress as he moved. Once lifted, she could feel his steady breath on her exposed breast as he moved his face closer. Wrapping his tongue and then his mouth around the full fleshy mound, swirling and sucking, as he busied his other hand massaging its counterpart. As she arched her back in response, she felt him hard, eager and pulsating between her legs. Letting out a small gasp of anticipation, she was unable to hold back her self imposed restraint and so she widened her hips, welcoming him. Freeing his hand from her breast and trailing it down to her exposed core, he found her wet and wanting. Smiling on her breast at the discovery, he glanced up to meet her impassioned gaze. Promptly leaving her breast, he slid back up her body and he aligned himself, then duly responded with a precise thrust, filling her like the missing piece she had been seeking.
Enjoying the sounds of her unravelling, he quickened pace, moving their bodies as one, as she rocked her hips in a rhythmic motion that allowed him to grasp closer with each full rotation. Deepening their embrace, the feeling of need continued to escalate, until they were grasping at each other in a frenzy. Long gone was the sensuous mood of the night, replaced by carnal urges to reclaim the passion and the highs that time had stolen from them.
After they had both chased their urges to their euphoric goal, they laid together in a satisfied silence whilst their breathing began to settle from the exertion. Sighing contentedly, Chi-Chi snuggled into the crook of his neck, enjoying the warmth radiating from him whilst her arm tightly embraced him so that he would never leave her again. He lent over and inhaled her hair, that sweet scent mixed with their love and her. Bringing his head down a bit further he tenderly kissed her forehead in an act of sweetness. She whispered so softly, "I'll always find you in my dreams", and with that she fell off the cliff of sleep into a sea of contentment.
Opening her eyes once again, inwardly hoping that she wouldn't be alone and that she would be met with his sleepy morning smile and wandering hands, desperately holding on to her memories and dreams just that bit longer. But she was there in their bed on her own again, like so many years before.
Chi-Chi roused herself from her fantasies, keen to make a good impression with the friends she'd been distanced from for so long and for the man that she loved beyond words.
Standing up with a newfound motivation, she was going to see him today. Not for long and not in the ways that she had hoped but she would see that smile, she would be held and he would know that he was missed and loved.
She decided to pamper herself with her new floral shampoo, allowing the time to take care of herself before her boys awoke.
After towelling off her long and silky black tresses, she surveyed the clothes she'd carefully selected and set out on her freshly made bed. Chi-Chi chose her favourite sleek yellow cheongsam, with a beautiful contrasting red edging. To finish her outfit, she wore her fuchsia coloured drop earrings - that she and Goku had bought together whilst on a day out in the city when Gohan was a toddler – matching them with a headband as she pulled her long hair to frame her neat bun.
Whilst sat at her dressing table, having chosen a bangle to wear, she found herself glancing out the window. The wind was blowing harshly through the trees that surrounded the idyllic Son home in the mountains. Maybe I should wear some trousers to preserve my modesty. With that thought, she stood and moved to retrieve a pair of billowy teal trousers from her wardrobe.
Grasping at the material tightly in her hands, the colouring reminded her of the last time they were together as a family. That week had been a welcome respite from turbulent life they had experienced in the preceding years. Although she had seen his golden form before, those eyes that she saw reflected back at her in the lead up to that fateful day. With their outward air of calm, that conflicted with the pools of primal rage that those eyes hid. She wiped a stray tear from her eye as a particularly memorable occasion during that time flashed through Chi-Chi's mind, causing a smile to form and a blush to creep across her cheeks, as it was likely the night that Goten was conceived.
After pulling the trousers on, straightening her cheongsam and adding an obi belt, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. She looked older and tired, raising two half-Saiyans on her own had taken its toll and so had the loneliness that she hid from the world. But today was about family, friends and fighting. The thought of the reunion alleviated her mind once more. She cast an eye over herself again and asserted that she was proud of what she had achieved, despite the hardships. This gave her a new found energy and lifted her spirits, she may even be tempted to fight herself, if only for sentimental reasons.
In the kitchen, Chi-Chi busied herself preparing today's hearty breakfast. Her two boys always had a healthy appetite courtesy of their Saiyan heritage and so an even larger helping of food was going to be needed today, given how much energy they were likely to expend.
"Cha-la head-cha-la...", she quietly sang to herself whilst she happily reminisced, as she finished packing the last of the food into capsules. She had made a sizeable lunch for the Son family and some extras of her husband's favourites that she was sure he would have missed. This was in addition to the doubled usual portion of breakfast, that Gohan and Goten were now wolfing down at lightning speed.
After cleaning up from their meal, Chi-Chi did a double check of all the things she had packed for the day. "It's going to be fine, you know. He will have missed you too." She heard from over her shoulder. Gohan stood with arms crossed leaning against the frame of the doorway in his black under-armour and lime green gi.
"I-I'm fine, what makes you say that?" Chi-Chi tried to sound casual.
"You always cook excess food when you're angry. And I wondered if you were worried too".
"Oh Gohan, are you worried?" She put down the bags and capsules.
"Well, not anymore, I was at first when I heard he was coming back." She moved over to him to put a hand on his crossed forearm. "I was so angry at him back then, after you-know-who and I thought I might just end up blurting my frustrations out, but I've had time to sit and meditate on my feelings." His mother smiled and felt a burst of pride for his emotional maturity, until, "Piccolo helped me out too", of which was met with an eye-roll. She had grown to tolerate the man but he still wound her up.
"Honestly, I'm just happy to see dad again and I kind of wanted him to see how much I've achieved and how...well...happy I am".
"Is this about a certain Ms. Sata-"
"What! No! She's...uh...just a friend from school, I've been helping her. With Goten. Goten was there the whole time!" He laughed nervously with one hand now behind his head.
With that, Goten ran into the kitchen, "I'm sooo exciiited! I'm gonna see daddy, I'm gonna fight and beat Trunks too! It's going to be the best day ever!" Gohan smiled at Goten's enthusiasm, he was a little rocket and dad was definitely going to love him.
Collecting the last of their items and heading outside, Chi-Chi had a brief second thought about her clothes. She grabbed the purple shawl from the table by the door and rested it over the tops of her shoulders, tying it into a knot at the front. As she recalled the sun beating down on her at previous matches.
Hearing the incoming thundering footsteps of her father, the Ox King, across the lawn and towards her home. Chi-Chi turned smiling and lifted a hand to wave at the large and breathless man, as Goten all but knocked him over with a running jump to hug him.
Shutting the front door securely, it was time to go. They wanted to leave early so that they would have more time to catch up with their friends, but Gohan in particular was thinking about some last minute practice with Videl.
Whilst they were making their way from Durian Airport, where Bulma had landed her ship on Papaya Island, the group reaffirmed the agreed rules of today's matches. That most importantly included, no turning Super Saiyan.
After Chi-Chi, her father and the boys had been picked up by Bulma in her Capsule Corp airship, they were gradually joined by their friends and other Z Fighters as they collected them on the way. Trunks and Goten had spent the journey messing around and trying to make each other laugh, whilst Chi-Chi cooed over how much Maron had grown as 18 and the Ox King looked on. When the previous students of the turtle hermit got reacquainted with each other they reminisced with Bulma, Oolong and Puar about the tournaments from their younger years, as Vegeta quietly grunted in disapproval that Yamcha spoke of the fond adventures with his wife from before his arrival on Earth. For the most part, there was a jovial atmosphere, filled with laughter, but for Chi-Chi it had been a great opportunity to catch-up with those familiar friendly faces that had kept her husband's spirit alive all these years. And most of them – in their own way – were grateful and relieved that even in times of peace they still had each other too.
As the group made their way up the concourse, towards the entrance to the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament, for those who had attended before, it was a significant change. With so many people in attendance – likely due to the popularity and media circus that a certain Mr Satan brings with him – the area had become like a marketplace with a variety of vendors from food to souvenirs. It was a far cry from their previous experiences. Not only did they have to navigate the bizarre scene, they also had to negotiate with the children and even Yamcha, that they would return to visit the stalls once they had registered as fighters and reunited with their friend.
The group's conversations continued to flow fluidly, with their frequent laughter and occasional quips filling the air. Although, there was a marked increase in the latter when Mr Satan and Videl made an appearance that drove the bustling crowd into a flurry. These remarks caused a stir of awkwardness for Gohan because of his rapidly growing feelings for the man's daughter.
Moving on from the bewildering scene, Master Roshi eyed Piccolo in a shaded area under the tree and away from the incessant crowds. Instantly, both Goten and Gohan move to leave the group and greet him, but Chi-Chi firmly grabs the scruff of her youngest son's gi, holding him back. She had grown to respect the bond that the two older fighters had made and appreciated the assistance that Piccolo had provided in keeping Gohan on track, especially in the first couple years of his father's absence. "Just let Gohan have his time first, I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to talk to Piccolo throughout today, okay Goten?" Chi-Chi offered, knowing the likely sulking reaction she would get. She was right.
After regrouping, they questioned each other about Goku's whereabouts, when they heard the sounds of footsteps drop behind them.
In one collective movement, they all turned, to be met with that characteristic orange gi, that trademark hairstyle and that smile that could make an enemy a friend. The man that they all revered, that they all cared for, he had returned.
He greeted them all with his charismatic smile but equally nervous of his reception.
With tears of happiness in their eyes and voicing their utter disbelief that this was actually happening, the majority rushed to reach out and grab him. Each wanting to confirm what they were witnessing, knowing how much he had meant in their lives.
Vegeta and Trunks looked on at the unfolding emotions, with the Prince secretly glad to have the 'clown' return and an opportunity to fight once more.
Overjoyed by his loved ones' embrace and seeing their happy faces again, brought a wave of emotion through Goku. He didn't understand what it was, but he recognised it and appreciated it. He had missed them, for different reasons than he had once thought.
In all the commotion, there was one hand that stood out. Goku would know his scent anywhere, yet couldn't believe the man that was now standing in front of him and amongst the crowd of friends, was Gohan. He gripped hold of the hand and pulled hard, allowing his son to fall into his chest and firmly wrapped his muscular arms around him. Silently letting him know that his dad was here and that he loved him.
Watching the scene unfold before her, Chi-Chi stood in disbelief that this moment had finally arrived. All the fears and doubts came flooding back and she couldn't bring herself to move forward, but she couldn't look away either. That's when his onyx eyes met hers. That one look gave her all the reassurance that she needed. In that moment, it was just the two of them as everything and everyone faded into the background.
"Oh sweetheart, I've missed you", she was able to let out while she clutched tightly at her scarf.
"And I've missed you Chi-Chi", he admitted with a soft tone, whilst holding her eyes in a knowing gaze.
Their moment was briefly broken by Goku spotting a familiar looking hairdo and gi poking out from behind Chi-Chi's leg. Following his gaze and realising that Goten was gripping her leg, her heart skipped as she had been so wrapped up with how she was feeling, she had forgotten how to bridge this moment. With a recentering breath, she moved to reassure her youngest and encourage him as they had previously talked about.
An overwhelming realisation crept over Goku, this little lookalike was his son. A son that he didn't know, that didn't know him. His family had grown in his absence and it hit him harder than any enemies' punch ever could.
The little boy's voice carried straight through to his heart.
Moving through his crowd of friends and closer to his youngest son, Goku introduced himself and then paused not knowing what to do next or how this child felt about him.
A pang of anxiety flooded through Chi-Chi, as she had pored over every possible outcome of their meeting in the last couple of weeks. Either one of them being upset was high on her list of worries. Not wanting to force Goten's feelings towards his father, she opted to wait and see how he reacted. The tension was palpable, until he released his grip on her trouser leg and left her side to rush for his father.
A wave of relief washed over Goku, thankfully he was met with a strong and happy child, who had leapt into his arms, openly giving his love and accepting him.
Standing against her father for support, Chi-Chi had been patiently observing the interaction between father and son. Despite all her worries about this moment, seeing the two of them like this was everything she had hoped for. Looking for Gohan in the group, he met her tear filled eyes and gave her a reassuring nod. A simple gesture that they both acknowledged meant that it was going well.
After a few moments of fun with his youngest boy, whilst his friends looked on at the heart-warming scene, Fortune-teller Baba returned to confirm the parameters of the binding agreement with Goku. As frustrating as it was, this was the harsh reality of the situation. He would have to make the most of his time here, with everyone he cares about and make as many memories as possible in the short period he had on Earth.
With that sobering reminder, the group began to take the opportunity to offer information about themselves and their lives now. All talking over each other, Goku looked at his silent young son, who was looking back up at him with eyes that mirrored his own. "Hey guys, can I just have a few minutes with the little guy?" He spoke without breaking his gaze. With a muttering of understanding, the crowd of friends began to disperse from them and gradually regroup a bit further away.
As Chi-Chi made to move away along with her father, Goku reached for her hand, "Please stay", he begged. With a reassuring nod from the Ox King, she turned to join her husband and youngest son.
Once the others were out of earshot, "I'm so sorry Chi-Chi, I didn't know. I mean... when? How?"
"Really, you're going to ask me how", she sarcastically responded. He gave a brief giggle, as he placed his hand behind his head.
Goten stood in the middle of them, looking up at whoever was talking, almost in disbelief that he now had two parents.
"Goten, tell your father how old you are."
"I-I'm seven years old", he spoke a little nervously.
Goku stood thinking hard, using his fingers to work out the dates, until it struck him.
"CELL? The Cell Games! Holy sh-", he clamped both of his hands tightly over his mouth and let his eyes roll down to Goten, who had an open mouth with shock at his father's language.
Piccolo's ears twitched at the shout. Seeing his friend's subtle reaction, Gohan turned to walk over towards his family, but his friend put his hand out and shook his head, knowing that this was not a moment for his old pupil to join. Gohan acknowledged the meaning and looked over again in their direction with a growing smile on his face at seeing his parents together again.
"Urgh, Goku mind your words", she stated, directing her eyes towards Goten.
"Yeah, sorry about that little guy", ruffling the boy's hair. Looking back up at his wife, "But that week, that week, I was a Super Saiyan."
"Uh-huh, I remember", her eyes flickered as he caught her meaning.
"Woah, so how did that affect..." he trailed off at the sudden sight before his eyes.
Goten stood in front of Goku with a golden aura, with matching hair and teal eyes like his own in that form.
"Already? That is so cool! But how did you learn this? Did Gohan teach you?"
"No...erm...it was-" he lifted his hand and pointed at his mother.
"Chi-Chi? You trained him? After everything you trained him!" In complete shock at this revelation. She allowed Goku a moment before she spoke again.
"You've forgotten that you boys are not the only fighters in this family you know", she now stood placing her hands on her hips. I might just enter to prove that smirking oaf that I've still got it.
Goku's mind flashed to memories of all the times they had fought together on their adventures, where they met again at the very place they were now standing and whilst they settled into married life at Mount Paozu. She was an accomplished fighter in her own right.
Stepping forwards towards her, "You're right honey. You've done an amazing job since I've been gone", he proudly put his hands on her shoulders, staring directly into those eyes that he loved so much.
"Maybe you should join us today?"
"Actually, I think I will!" She answered with a beaming smile.
With growing concerns about being late for the registration process, the group of friends decided to start making a move in the general direction of the small desk that was set up at the end of the main concourse. It was placed in front of the famed gates that so many of them had stood before, with the nostalgic sign above, Tenka'ichi Budōkai.
His friends took this opportunity to quiz Goku about life in the Otherworld, as they made their way. "Honestly guys, it's just so hard to keep track of time. There's no weather, no nights and you don't even need to sleep. I didn't even know it had been that long."
"Sounds like you've been having the best time, with all those fighting legends up there!" Laughed Yamcha, without thinking about who else was listening.
Deciding not to take the next few steps forward, Chi-Chi just stood there. Whilst the group carried on moving forward, completely unaware of her absence. Until Gohan - who had looked to give her comfort at the unthoughtful words - realised that she had hung back.
Easily detaching himself from the main group, he walked back over and stood with his mother. "He doesn't mean anything by it, he's just being...well...Yamcha", he offered, trying to console his mother.
"I know that, it's just overwhelming. It's so familiar and like he's never been away, but I keep being reminded that it won't last for long and Goten...that almost broke my heart!" The tears were now threatening to fall down her face. Gohan pulled her in for a hug, he knew what she meant. All the talk of Otherworld had stung him too.
Hearing the calls from their friends who had reached the registration desk, "We should probably get moving."
"You go ahead and get yourself signed up Great Saiyaman. I'll be there shortly, I'm just going to have a look at these stalls, they've got some lovely things...well except all that Mr Satan stuff!" She gave out half a laugh. Gohan knew what his mother was trying to do and decided to give her time to process.
Whilst Gohan walked away and regrouped with the others, Chi-Chi busied herself by walking through the stalls. After the first few, they became a blur and she continued walking aimlessly through the eclectic mix of vendors.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but she jumped at the familiar voice now in front of her.
"How are you Chi-Chi?" He asked her in a tone that Chi-Chi felt was oddly reminiscent of her dream last time.
Taking a moment to shake off the odd feeling, Chi-Chi responded, "I'm alright, i-it's just been so hard without you. So many things have happened and there's been so much that you've missed." She paused briefly to take a breath, but couldn't contain the emotion that was welling up with her. "You know, Gohan didn't take your death very well, he really struggled Goku and then I found out I was pregnant. That changed everything. Our friends were great and so supportive, but I-I felt so alone without you. And knowing that it would only take leaving our boys for me to be able to see you again, was uh...well...painful." At this revelation she broke down in tears. He didn't know what he should say or do at that moment, so he did what came naturally and brought his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. As he enveloped her, he completely shielded and protected her from any prying eyes of the crowds.
For Chi-Chi, that moment in his arms like that, being protected and held, would fill her enough to last her until they meet again in Otherworld.
Looking down into her brimming brown eyes, "I can't believe it's been that long, Gohan's practically an adult! You've done a great job with our boys, I'm so proud of you and them, I just wish I had more time to get to know them. And to show you how much I've needed you." His arms dropped to her hips and gave them a strong squeeze.
Eliciting an instant blush from Chi-Chi and not knowing where this was heading between them, but also not willing to risk such outward displays in the midst of the pseudo-marketplace. She grabbed ahold of his hands and pulled him round to an empty area by the buildings off the main concourse.
They both let out a small giggle as they caught their breath. Her laugh and smile always did something to him.
He pulled her back into him and leaned down to capture a kiss. As their lips clashed, their passion reignited and they busied themselves with rediscovering each other's bodies again. Stumbling back toward a wall, they heard the crack of the brickwork on their impact, but neither of them cared. They had been lost in the moment, lost in each other.
Until they paused, still holding each other tightly, hearing some of the crowds walk nearby talking about the upcoming matches. It brought them down from the high that their passionate embrace had taken them to.
"Oh that's right, the registration was just about closing when I left to come and find you. I might have gotten a bit distracted..." he trailed off with a small laugh.
"Might have been?"
"Ah no, that means I won't get to fight you!" He huffed, giving a sulking face that reminded her of Goten's infamous tantrums.
"It's alright, I know you live for this", both glancing at the halo above him, "Well you know what I mean Goku", slapping his chest playfully.
She had thought that there were better days for him to come and visit, where at least they'd have more time together, but Chi-Chi decided to keep that to herself.
"We'd better be headed to the arena, the preliminaries are probably going to start soon and I need one of you to bring home the prize. Keeping Saiyans fed isn't cheap you know", she said whilst waggling her finger. "Speaking of which, I've made a capsule of your favourite foods. I thought you might have missed them", handing him the small capsule.
With a grateful look and practically salivating, "Chi-Chi, your food is the stuff of my dreams!"
"I know", she said with a prideful look on her face.
"It's certainly not like your dreams-" he stopped abruptly.
As her blush deepened, she looked up directly into those big onyx eyes, trying to piece it together. It doesn't make sense that he would know something like that unless...
"Yes, I did come to see you but in my mind. It's kind of like a deep meditation. Usually it's for training exercises, I'd finished my physical ones days ago and my mental ones a couple of days after that. I mean, I only came to talk but you were so..." trailing off, unable to find the right words.
"I was what!" She demanded.
"Erm...e-enthusiastic?"
A deep blush crept over her face, at the realisation that he did in fact join her last night and it was not just another exceptionally good dream.
Seeing her reaction, Goku tried his best to explain, placing his open hands up in front of him, "I had to make sure you were doing okay Cheech. King Kai warned me that it had been a long time. But it doesn't feel like that in the Otherworld, time moves differently there. Anyway, he thought it was a good idea to check on you, so I wasn't in for any nasty...uh...surprises", he trailed off sheepishly.
"What do you mean nasty surprises?"
Raising his hand to put behind his head, as his glistening halo tilted in the same way. "Well...uh...I thought...maybe you might have, you know...moved on."
He didn't see the frying pan before he felt its familiar coolness strike the side of his head and with that, he smiled.
Safe in the knowledge that his wife has loved him beyond death, his mind moved to one last thought. Where does she keep that thing hidden anyway.