*In a mad fit concerning Tenshi not owning the rights to Dragonball Z, she starts throwing energy attacks at everything in sight*
Radditz: My, my, you've managed to singe some of my leg hair.
AHHHHH!!! Lol! Has anyone besides me noticed that Radditz got stuck with the lines even FRIEZA wouldn't touch? Okay, okay, so maybe Pioneer Animation did do the first few saga's, but still, those lines couldn't get much worse....As much as I hate to say it, I prefer the FUNi Radditz to the original, because of his American voice talent and all, he comes across as a total loser. In all of Dragonball Z I don't think there is a character funnier than Radditz.... Just because he thinks he is so bad and he lets out the STUPIDEST most IGNORANT quotes of anyone on the series. Look for more 'Radditz' lines later.
A/N: Thanks for all the positive feedback from the first two chapters!! I need to make a new summary, but I stink at them. If anyone wants to take a stab at summarizing my stories for me, let me know, cause I just can't write them. I wanted to point out what one reviewer, my good friend Bridgette, said about Goku's accent in my stories: "He sounds like he is from Southern Arkansas or something." I LAUGHED my TAIL OFF!! Because, out of all the Southern states and the four directions (north, south, east, west) She chose Southern Arkansas....where I was born and raised! I had no idea anyone could tell the accent just from my writing...but that's how I really talk! Ahhh! That's too wicked, doncha' think? Great observation there, girlie ^_^
On with the story!!
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Goku went rigid instantly, a thousand thoughts whirled through his head at once. His insides went limp and he found himself barely able to breathe. He narrowed his eyebrows in intense apprehension, and barely voiced a whisper,
"What?" He asked, a million different emotions danced almost visibly on his escaping breath.
Chichi lost all of her composure, caving in to the overwhelming feeling of helplessness, depression....and fear. She buried her head in his chest, wrapping her arms around his sculptured neck, and sobbed hysterically.
Goku shuddered. This news had replaced every assured nerve in his body with total fear. His blood felt chilled so much so that it was as rivers of ice flowed through his veins. He fell further into this vortex of relentless shock and disbelief as Chichi pressed herself against him. She was crying....hard. He had never seen her so open before...she was usually so independent that he came to her for assurance and help. She had never shown this side of herself, the side that was scared, the side that was frightened, and completely helpless. He felt an unbelievable lump wedge in his throat, so large that the oxygen he breathed in was struggling to find its way around it. His chest burned from her tears that were flowing underneath his T-shirt from down his neck. They seemed to be tears of intense hopelessness. He felt his eyes start to burn. This couldn't be real; Chichi was young....only eighteen years old. This must be a mistake. Doctors didn't know everything. He wanted to speak...to let his words comfort her more than his body was able to at the moment, as his arms were paralyzed in absolute dismay.
After a few moments of relentless sobbing, Chichi laid the side of her face against her young husband's chest....breathing in crisp, clean air, and calming slightly as her eyes began to find themselves unable to produce any more tears.
"Goku...." She said, so quietly that she herself couldn't even decipher her words as being audible.
Goku said nothing. She knew he had heard her, even though she couldn't even hear her own words. After a moment, he spoke up,
"Chichi...." He said, his voice breathless, as she could feel labored breathing making itself comprehensible as she laid her ear against his chest. His voice sounded weary; as if he couldn't suppress the emotions that tempted to claim his being.
"I'm sorry, Goku." She said softly.
Goku stiffened. Why was she apologizing? She was the one hurting, it made no sense. Determined to not let his emotions get the best of him, he finally asked,
"Why?"
She didn't move. Didn't talk. After a moment, she stirred slightly, moving her head away from his chest. After much inner conflict, she forced herself to look at his face; it was worse than she imagined. Goku, who usually lived in that happy grin, beaming eyes and friendly laughter, looked plagued. Yes, plagued. Her heart sank as she looked into his coal eyes, framed by furrowed brows that plainly betrayed the fact that he didn't understand....and his deep, raven eyes were dancing with an expression she had never thought could be visible on his face. His mouth was half open, as if trying to voice a million inquiries that all ended in one solitary question. WHY.
She forced herself to speak,
"Because....Goku, my body won't allow me." She stated simply.
"But....why not?" He asked, his voice altered dramatically.
"Because....I was never supposed to be able to reproduce. My insides aren't equipped. My blood is too thin, I could easily hemorrhage to death, and my frame is too small to support a child." She nearly whispered, her voice shaken to the point of desperation.
"Your frame?" He asked honestly.
She sighed. How could she explain this?
"Goku," She began, "You know how you always teased me about my hips?"
He reflected, "Yeah, they're so small."
She nodded, "Exactly. My pelvic area is much smaller than most women. For that fact, it would be extremely hard for me to give birth."
"Chichi....why didn't you ever tell me about this?" He said, his drawl faltering.
She winced, "I didn't want you to-"
"To leave?" He nearly snapped. She started.
"Chichi, I never planned on leavin' ya...ever. All day long I've been killin' myself over the fact that you didn't want me anymore....and you 'atchally thought I'd leave you?" He seemed hurt....she hadn't planned on that.
"But, Goku..." She began, and stopped as she saw his mouth open again.
"You may think I'm stupid, but ya know, I 'aint. I may talk different than you, and not know as much like they do in books and all, but I promise Chichi I 'aint dumb. When you love someone you don't go keepin' stuff from them. I thought that was one thing marriage was about but I guess it 'aint." He said, completely livid.
Chichi fought back new, unshed tears,
"But, Goku, I love you. That's why I never told you about this." She said honestly.
"Good way to show someone 'ya care, 'aint it Chichi?" He sneered sarcastically, more venom in his tone than he would have cared to emit.
Normally, she would have been angered....yet the dire situation before just brought her to even more tears. She laid her face in her hands and began crying very hard. Goku was instantly softened, and his new wave of indignity began to diminish until it was nonexistent. Before he could console her, he heard her muffled voice,
"I'm sorry.....I'm sorry....I should...have..."
An altogether overwhelming surge of guilt spread through his body like wildfire, and he pulled her close to him, placing his hand on the back of her head for support.
"Chichi....I'm sorry." He said.
She continued crying.
***
"Would you listen to that!" Mayo exclaimed to his secretary. "The poor girl's about to die and all he can do is make things worse!" He stormed.
"Sir, you know its not in our morality code to eavesdrop on what our patients do." She said disinterestedly, as she filed down her nails, not really making an attempt to stop any of his unethical behavior.
"I know, but it's all for the well-being of the patient." He said, his words coated in an intensity that he barely ever spoke in. "I was just making sure that he didn't strike her down when he walked in there. I have a hunch that he's abusive." He said solemnly.
The secretary looked up. "Abusive? That guy? He seems kinda dense to me." She said, suddenly engulfed in new gossip.
"I don't care, I'm through listening. She can fend for herself if she's stupid enough to stay with a wife-beater." He said angrily.
"Sir, you don't know that..." She began.
"Even if he isn't...." He began, "She's still stupid for being with him. Period." He rasped as he marched down the hall toward the lobby.
***
"Shhh...." He began trying to calm her nerves. "It'll be 'aight." He said gently. She looked up.
"Goku, what am I going to do?" She asked earnestly. For the first time since she broke the news, she was looking rational.
"I....I dunno, Chichi." He answered.
A moment of silence spread over them, and he answered again,
"Were you abs'lutely sure that you weren't ever gonna be able to get pregn'nt?" He asked.
She shook her head. "I...I didn't know for sure, since I was young when I was diagnosed with infertility, they weren't sure if it would always stand."
"Then why didn't you tell me? We could've gone slower." He said sweetly, gently combing his fingers through her hair.
"Well..." She began hesitantly, as if trying to hide something.
"Go on." He said.
She made herself talk, "I....I thought I could take care of that myself." She replied, burrowing her head deeper against his neck. He donned a look of confusion, as it rang through in his voice,
"How?" He questioned.
She swallowed and answered, "I...I was taking birth control for the first month and a half."
A mental flag went off in his head. He actually knew what birth control was, to an extent.
"Why'd ya stop?" He asked.
She sighed, trying to choose her words carefully, "Be-because I ran out." She stated, "And we didn't have the money...." She stopped suddenly.
Goku tensed. "Chichi," He said compassionately, "Whadda' we need money for?"
She closed her eyes, "We need to eat, Goku."
"Huntin's enough...." He began, and then stopped, realizing that this wasn't going to get anywhere. "If you woulda' told me, we could've stopped....at least until you could've got something." He said thoughtfully.
"I...I didn't want to deprive you of anything." She answered, suppressing a choke.
He opened his mouth to protest, but closed it again when he realized that it all boiled down to one fact; she didn't tell him.
"Is there anything that the doctor's can do?" He asked slowly.
She nodded, "Yes......but it's not an option."
"What?" He asked.
"Doctor Mayo said....the best thing would.....be....." She swallowed, "To have an abortion."
Goku sat in silence. After a moment, he shook his head. "We can't do that." He said softly.
"He said that's about the only thing he can offer." She replied weakly.
"So did your bleedin' mean that your gonna have a baby?" He quizzed.
"No.....that's not supposed to happen when your pregnant. I nearly had a miscarriage today." She stated, shifting her body firmer against his.
"What's that?" He asked, yet he was almost sure that he knew.
"It's when the baby comes too early and dies....it's not even fully developed. If it had come, then I would have probably been okay." She nearly whispered.
"But..." He mulled the thought over in his head, "Our baby would've died."
She nodded slowly. "Goku, I hate to say it...." She fought back an onslaught of emotion, "But....if I keep this baby....chances are...."
He pulled her head back from his neck to meet her gaze,
"We'll both die." She stated bravely, as a tear ran down her ivory skin.
Goku straightened and wiped her tear away, and stated firmly, "No you won't."
"But..." She started, tearing her gaze from his, "You don't understand, the doctors-"
"....Don't know you." He answered matter-of-factly. "I know it's all gonna be okay, Chichi."
She slowly glided towards him, and rested her face against the side of his.
"I hate to say it, but we're going to have to stay here for a little while." She whispered.
Goku cringed. He hated this place.... yet he knew that it was for an extremely important matter. He silently replied,
"Okay."
***
The next day and a half was a whirlwind of tests and examinations. It seemed to Goku that his breaking point was nearing closer and closer as Chichi time and again came out from her tests nearly, if not fully in tears. He tried to attend every meeting that he could with the doctors and specialists concerning her condition, but for some reason most of the meetings excluded him.
" I don't understand, it seems like this can't be real." He repeated to himself time and time again. Chichi was so strong and young....it didn't seem possible for her to have so many health problems. She had never shown any signs of sickness before...had she? Maybe she did and he just didn't realize.
"I should have been there more...." He thought to himself, "Maybe if I hadn't always been out training I would've noticed before." And despite his usual lax train of thought, he silently resolved to himself to try and be there for her as much as he possibly could. Yet deep down, he knew he wasn't always to blame. "What if Piccolo comes back? I mean, I have to be able to take him on, and be conf'dent I can win." He silently debated his problem to himself, unaware of any other presence in the lobby.
"Goku Son!" A cheery and familiar voice came to his ears. He spun around, his train of thought obliterated for the moment.
He smiled, "Hey Mira."
"What are you doing here, Goku Son?" She asked inquisitively.
His face dropped somewhat, and his voice wasn't as warm as it usually was as he replied, "Well, the doctors....." He began, but trailed off. He recovered soon after, "The doctors....they-- they found something bad wrong." He answered, looking downcast and, nearly depressed.
Mira looked at Goku, an expression of sincere concern covered her face, "Oh no...What happened?" She asked.
"Well," He began, but felt his voice begin to crack from long hours of restless sleep and extreme worry. He cleared his voice and continued, "She never told me, but she 'aint supposed to be able to have kids. But the doctor found out that she was pregn'nt. Because of the way she's built and her insides and all...they say.." His voice cracked again, this time from a feeling of overwhelming pain, "She's prob'ly not gon' live if she keeps the baby." He nearly whispered as his eyes hit the floor.
Mira felt her heart lurch, and her sympathy went out to her newfound friend. "Oh, Goku Son..." She began, and placed a hand on his shoulder. She didn't talk for a few minutes, as she tried to find the right words to say. She knew that he felt deeply about 'Chichi' even if he didn't appear to know very much else...which, oddly enough made her heart even heavier. He seemed so innocent...almost like a little kid.
"Goku Son," She began in a kind, yet firm voice, "When I was little, my mom got really sick. I worried and worried about her for a long time, because we had to keep coming to the hospital..." Her voice started to change in pitch, like that of a spiraling crescendo, yet she started again, "But we prayed, and didn't lose faith. And she got better. She's still alive right now. Those times were hard on me and my family, but she got better."
Goku looked up, a new interest danced in his eyes. "So wha'does that mean for us?" He asked interestedly.
Mira smiled kindly, and Goku warmed inside. "It means that I believe Chichi is going to be all right. Sometimes you just have to have faith about these things."
"Yeah, I told Chichi she was gonna' be 'aight." He said, his voice building slightly in volume and confidence.
"See, there 'ya go." She smiled again. "You've already got a good start on it. Now just believe that things are going to be okay, and I'll check in on Chichi later tonight. She is staying overnight, correct?"
"Yeah."
"Well okay then, I'll make sure she's taken care of." She winked. Goku remained unmoved, but inside his hope had replenished somewhat. "Thank you." He said, a small grin tweaked the corner of his mouth in a grateful smirk.
She nodded and stood up again. She began to walk off, but turned around, "Hey, Goku Son." She called to him, as she saw that he had returned to his former position of daydreaming. He looked up.
"I told you to have faith and I meant that, but even if things don't work out for the best, your attitude will help your wife's outlook as much as any medicine will. Remember that, okay?" She said, her voice slightly serious.
He nodded. Her words didn't actually make him feel better as he hoped they would, but he took the advice to heart.
"I will." He replied. She smiled and walked off.
***
"Come in." Chichi said weakly as she heard a small rapping on the door that echoed throughout the acoustic room. She straightened involuntarily in her bed, trying to obtain a more presentable and dignified look, even over her matted hair and pale countenance.
The door creaked and opened slowly, and Goku appeared halfway through the threshold, smiling sweetly at the sight of his wife.
"Hey, Honey." He said compassionately, "How are you doin'?"
She smiled, a wave of relief spread over her features. "Better." She replied weakly.
Goku started to walk to her bedside, but stopped midway when he heard running water in the bathroom. He quirked an eyebrow and was about to inquire on who was in the room when a masculine voice piped in,
"I'm sorry, Mr. Son, but visiting hours are over. You'll have to leave now." Rang a familiar tone. Goku had distinguished it as Mayo's before he had even let the sentence escape his mouth fully.
"Hey, hold on," He began defensively, "Vistin' hours just started."
Mayo walked out of the bathroom, toweling his hands off, "For the other patients, but Chichi is an exception." He said, too smugly for Goku's taste.
Goku felt his brows knit closely together as something defensive burned inside of him. "Why? She's my wife, an' I haven't hardly got to be with her for a second since she got here!" He stated, close to fuming.
Mayo donned a look of intellect as he replied, "Yes, but that's for good reason. Chichi is going through a very hard time and she needs her rest, therefore being the doctor in charge here, I am acquitting all visitation hours for her until further notice." He said, turning his back to Goku and looking out the window.
Chichi started "But, Doctor, I'm not that tired, really. I just want to spend some time with my husband for a little while..."
"I know what's best, Chichi, and I'm sorry for having to cut into your personal time." He began almost conceitedly, "But I want to make absolutely sure that your rested for our meeting tomorrow." He said, yet added a tinge of some kind of emotion to his words, as if he were speaking entirely to Chichi, oblivious of Goku's presence.
"Meetin'?" Goku asked.
Mayo nodded. "Yes, there's a very important meeting tomorrow that Chichi must attend with some specialists from out of town. It's required that she be at full rationality while talking to them, since the situation is a dire one." He answered.
"Why didn't no one tell me about this?" He asked, trying to hide his vehemence. He didn't know why, but it seemed as if this doctor was trying to keep him away.
"Well, I didn't think it necessary that you should attend." He answered again, a self-righteous look plastered on his face.
"Chichi is havin' a hard time, of course I need to be there." He said, his words strained slightly as anger began to build gradually.
"Sir, I don't want to sound rude, but I think that your presence would create more burdens for your wife to bear." He said shortly.
Goku closed his mouth tightly, yet his teeth were grinding forcefully behind his lips. His jaw line accentuated greatly, and he fought to hold his breath. He didn't know why, but the hospital made him edgy. He had never been short-tempered or flat-out rude purposely, and he could never recall ever having such a short fuse. Yet all the built up inquiries at his new life, the agitation of not being able to find Piccolo, the apprehensions of being in the stuffy hospital all day, the restlessness from two days of sleepless nights, the frustration from the doctor, and the worry that plagued him over not being able to be with his wife when she obviously needed him the most all began to take their toll on his restraint. He barely...barely had control over his emotions as he replied,
"She needs me." He answered from behind clenched teeth. The overall passion that emitted from his mouth even frightened the doctor, however, made him feel as if all of his precautions over this guy were in vain. He had tried to help this young girl, to save her from an abusive and what would be regretful relationship. But the look in her husband's blazing onyx eyes told him that no matter what, she would always return, if for no other reason than fear. The fear that shook him now must be what she was used to on a daily basis.
The young man held so much intense passion harbored from the surface that it was only visible in his eyes.
Now he was sure of it. He had to be violent.
Mayo straightened, his stubborn will taking control over his words once again. As long as he could he was going to make sure that this girl was taken care of. He owed that much to her, as it was nearly certain that without terminating her pregnancy, she wouldn't be here on earth much longer. He had made it his responsibility to make sure that her last months were filled with peace and relaxation, and not constant worry about getting backhanded. He had even located one or two bruises on her that she refused to explain...and that had only further intrigued him to her situation.
"Sir," He said again, suppressing the urge to cower back, "I'm nearly certain she doesn't need you," he lingered on the word, "We seldom need anything, water, air and food is all that we really need, so it wou--"
"I need him." She answered frankly.
Goku was startled. Chichi had never admitted to anything like that before...in fact, she had always been insistent on the fact that all she needed was herself.
"And sir," She began, her voice growing in intensity, "If he doesn't go to that meeting, your going to have to count me absent as well." She ended abruptly, and the gleam in her eye stated that the topic was not up for discussion.
Goku felt his anger leave him, and he grinned widely at his wife.
Mayo stood silent for a moment, and soon hesitantly nodded his head, "If that's what you want, Chichi." He turned to Goku, his expression had changed very little, but what emotions played subtly across his face were one of an extreme nature. "We will be meeting at sunrise tomorrow in my office. Please try and be on time." He stated. Goku nodded in understanding.
"Now, I'm late for an appointment, so I'll have to be leaving as well." He started towards the door, "And sir, I'm giving you five minutes with her, but then it is absolutely necessary you leave. And if you fail to do so then we will have to take extreme measures." He answered firmly, and closed the heavy door behind him.
Goku stared at the closed door for a moment, a feeling unknown to him seemed to play across his mind. It wasn't that the doctor was rude, or that he was evil, he just got a feeling from him. One that he didn't like, not at all. It was as if he didn't trust Goku to be alone with Chichi. And why not? They had been totally secluded for nearly seven months, only on few occasions were they around others. He would have contemplated the matter further, but his eyes involuntarily turned to his wife.
He walked over to her, forcing a believable smile to cross his features. Despite the fact that he was incredibly glad to see her, he was disturbed that he could only be with her for a matter of minutes. He crouched down by her bedside, smoothing her loose and unruly hair back from her face. He gathered her ebony locks into a single unit, and pulled them back away from her neck. He liked the way that her hair looked when it was all messy, but he knew that this way she would be much cooler and feel better groomed.
"Hey Sweetie." He said tenderly. Goku had never been much on pet names; sure, there was the occasional "Hon'" and "Sugar", but he had never said much else. He had hoped that where the words from his heart faltered that he could reassure his presence and loyalty with endearment....and by the sparkle in her eye, it appeared to be working, to an extent.
"Hey yourself." She all but laughed, spiting her situation. Of course she was scared, and a bit indifferent about the doctor's strict orders, yet looking at the way he was looking at her, she couldn't help but feel uplifted.
He had started smoothing her bangs back, however in a matter of seconds had stopped the movement of his hand. He was looking at her, differently than she could ever recall. His gaze was wandering all over her face, as if he couldn't quite take in all that he was seeing. His face was weighed with compassion, interest and concern, though he tried his best to hide the latter--even she could decipher that--by the way his brows slanted slightly, and his eyes shined with an uncertain glow. Yet, his countenance was filled with some kind of emotion that made her warm internally, and quiver in the pit of her stomach. His gaze was intense, yet relaxed, strong....yet uncertain. He looked over her as she would look over a beautiful sunset at evening tide....absolutely certain that something so amazing shouldn't be accessible by mortals. But, with every changing motion executed by his brilliant eyes, the emotions written on his face only deepened, and his interest only became further absorbed. It was all so foreign to her....he had never looked at her quite that way before. What did it mean?
She began to blush, as all the unrestrained attention--even though it pleased her-- was beginning to make her a bit uneasy.
When he felt her face begin to heat under his hand, Goku ceased his oblivious exploration, and chuckled gently.
"What's the matter, hon'?" He drilled.
Her face only turned deeper, now that it was obvious that she was doing so. He laughed again.
"Not gonna' speak, huh?" He asked, playfully condescendingly, as if he were talking to a small child.
She laughed slightly, "No, it's just....Given our circumstance, I don't quite know what to say."
"Well, we don't have to say anything." His voice deepened somewhat, as he inched closer to her face. Just as he was close enough to kiss her, he stopped abruptly, his face mere centimeters from hers.
She had already given herself over to the kiss when she felt him stop. She opened her eyes, and unintentionally quirked an eyebrow at his antic. She held her tongue for a moment before asking the inevitable,
"What are you doing?" She quizzed, displeased that he hadn't continued his advance. He smirked as this emotion showed in her voice.
"Seein' what you would do if I didn't." He laughed.
She chuckled to herself as well. He was always up to something.
She then mocked a look of sensuality as she heaved herself restraintfully against his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. She began to let her hands wander through his wild, obsidian hair before drawing them to his face and tracing his features with her slender fingers. Then, she worked them down to his neck, where she lightly circled his adam's apple playfully, all while taking sudden intakes of breath and giggling seductively.
"Well," She began, her voice altered a few octaves below the tone in which she usually spoke, "What did you think I'd do?"
If he hadn't been so floored he would have been shocked. Chichi had never acted like this before.....yet he liked it.....much more than he could have imagined.
She raised her eyebrows slowly, drawing her face closer to his. He could feel her breath on his face, and her hands on his chest. It was all very alarming, yet he drew in closer to her. His eyes had closed, and he had surrendered fully to her, he could feel her lips, just a hair's breadth away...
And then he was on pushed to the end of the bed in an instant. He hadn't counted on that.
He was a bit dazed, and look at his wife who was all but falling off the bed with laughter.
"Hey, wha' did ya' do that for?" He asked, a tone of upset ringing clearly in his voice.
She was still doubled over, too pleased with herself, yet he waited patiently for her answer, even though he was highly perturbed.
"HAHA! How do YOU like it?!" She laughed hysterically.
"I don't." He answered honestly, still pretty angry with the whole situation.
She was still laughing when she noticed the obvious indifference across his face. She settled somewhat, yet still laughing silently.
"Aw, come on..." She said, raising her eyebrows and smirking, "I'll make it up to 'ya."
"No." He pouted. "I don't FEEL like it anymore." He whined and crossed his arms.
She was still laughing yet forced herself to diminish it for his sake. "Don't be like this, Goku, you know I was just playing. And besides, you did the same thing to me."
"Yeah, but that was different..." He said, turning to face the wall.
"Oh yeah?" She asked daringly, "How?"
"You weren't supposed to do it back." He said, yet something in his voice made the fact clear that he was leading her on.
She smiled deviously. "Well, okay then." And she crossed her arms and twisted her torso in the opposite direction.
Seconds had passed at most when he finally gave in. He turned at the exact millisecond that she twisted as well. Their eyes met, and she gave him a playful glare.
The next thing either one was aware of was how totally great the embrace was....it was so anticipated, that she smiled against his mouth, in turn causing him to smile as well. It was well deserved, as neither one had had the chance to be alone together since coming to the hospital. It was passionate, and powerful....with an overall disposition of playfulness, as the mood of the previous antics hadn't been totally forgotten.
She had waited so long for a personal moment with him that she was hesitant to extricate herself, but finally forced herself to do so when she realized that time was slipping fast away. But as she withdrew, he only advanced, more of his weight pushing against her, pinning her to the wall.
"Curse that doctor!" She thought aggressively, as the last thing she wanted in this world was to be snatched from the ferocity of this kiss.
She finally had to push him away forcefully. He pulled back, looking disappointed and somewhat dejected.
"Whadidja' do that for?" He nearly whined.
"Goku, five minutes is up." She said halfheartedly.
"Yeah, but we 'aint finished." He stated.
"I know, and I'm sorry." She said, combing her hand through his hair.
"'Bout what?" He asked.
"Mayo, for one." She said, and looked away.
He somewhat tensed, yet laughed in reply. "Don't worry 'bout him." He said heartily.
She lifted a brow.
He mocked a whisper as he leaned in close to her ear, "I've decided to let Picc'lo have him when he attacks again."
Chichi hit Goku in the chest playfully, and he laughed deeply.
"Seriously, Goku, you need to go. I'll see you tomorrow morning at the meeting... Please don't forget." She said sincerely.
"I won't. I didn't pitch a hissy to not come and see 'ya." He said seriously, yet she chuckled internally at his plain southern speech.
"Okay, well, see 'ya." She leaned up and kissed him on the tip of his nose. He smiled and did the same.
Goku was all the way to the door, when Chichi stopped him.
"Goku?" She asked hesitantly.
"Yeah?"
"Um...When you told me that you loved me yesterday....what does that mean?" She requested his answer, yet she did so with a growing lump in her throat.
He lifted a brow. "Chichi, you know what that means."
"But....what does that mean to you?" She asked.
"What does what mean to me?" He drawled.
"Love... How do you define it?" She quizzed with growing apprehension. She could feel herself start to flush, and her stomach start to churn.
He looked thoughtfully for a minute before answering, "Well, I guess that'd be that feelin' that I get when I think that I'm married." He answered honestly.
"What does being married mean to you?" She forced the question.
"Bein' married....well, gosh, I dunno Chichi...It's like knowin' ya gotta' take care of somebody. Like protectin' 'em and all." He stuttered, a bit uncertain of his definition.
"So..." Her voice begin to quiver slightly, "Love to you means protecting?" She asked, her eyes beginning to sting with tears.
"Yeah, I guess so." He said once more, dropping his gaze to the floor. He added thoughtfully, "But ya know, I meant it."
She forced a smile back. "Yeah...and thank you."
He smiled back and walked out the door.
As soon as she was sure he was gone, she allowed the conversation to play back in her mind.
" I knew it was too good to be true. He doesn't love me any differently than he loves Krillin or Bulma. All he knows is protection. I was stupid to think he could feel for me the same way I feel about him."
With that, she collapsed on her bed with a thousand unrestrained tears.
***
"Hey Sugar." Goku said as he greeted his wife the next morning.
She smiled faintly. Last night's conversation had left her with an overwhelming sense of depression to add to her apprehension about today's meeting. She had tried to shake the feeling by reminding herself that Goku did love her.
"But not in the way I want to be loved." She would merely add, and with that single thought obliterate all of her prior encouragement.
"Good morning Goku." She added, yet she couldn't ignore the awkwardness she was feeling towards him. She mentally chastised herself for her emotions.
"You should take a look at yourself, Chichi." She grunted to herself, "He's sacrificing a lot just to be with you right now, when he could be off training or eating or doing whatever on earth he wants. But instead he's staying here, to try and comfort you and be there for you. That's love, No matter what 'type' it is, it's still admirable. Why do you have to be so selfish? It's not like he owes you anything. Your the one who forced him to marry you, by all accounts, your lucky he can even stomach to be around you."
At her own thoughts, her eyes began to sting. Whether it was due to the all-time emotional roller coaster that came as a result of being pregnant, or the fears about dying, or the pent-up inquiries about Goku's affections for her, she felt completely depressed. Goku even took notice before she was able to shed any tears.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked concernedly.
At the realization that she was showing her sadness, she quickly straightened up and almost physically forced her tears back into their ducts. She tried to smile, yet that expression was still unobtainable.
"Nothing." She tried to chirp, yet it came out as a murmur.
"Are you sure?" He asked again, his concern starting to mount.
"Yes, positive." She forced a grin, "Just a little nervous about the meeting."
Goku still didn't look satisfied. "'Ya know, Chichi, if there's somethin' else botherin' 'ya, all you gotta do is let me know, and I'll try and take care of it." He answered plainly.
She shook her head. "It's nothing, Goku, don't worry about it."
"Do 'ya promise?" He asked seriously.
She swallowed. She couldn't lie to him, yet she didn't want to worry him. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a man in a white coat.
"Chichi Son, Goku Son?" Inquired the man.
"Yes." Chichi turned in gratitude, thankful she didn't have to answer Goku's question.
"The meeting is about to start, everyone's assembled, so just go in to Doctor Mayo's office now, okay?" He asked, yet it was more of a statement.
"Okay." Chichi bowed cordially. "Thank you."
Chichi started down the hallway, her legs felt at the moment as if they weighed a thousand pounds each. Goku appeared at her side, and she took his arm gratefully as he extended it. Her heart might still harbor a bit of uneasiness at his account, yet when he seemed so caring, and so concerned, it was easy for her to fall into the illusion that he really did love her. She smiled despite herself as she looked up towards his face. It was strained and heavy, as if he was as worried about the meeting as she was. She wondered why he cared so much.
"Love is love, either way. I'm sure if Launch was in the same situation I am in now, he would be doing the exact same thing for her. I should just consider myself lucky that he cares enough to stay with me."
She was so absorbed in her thoughts she only barely noticed when he looked down at her. He smiled weakly.
"Don't worry, 'hon, your gonna' be okay. I just know it." Goku was glad he had recalled what Mira had told him about reassuring his wife, because she seemed to benefit from it slightly.
"Do you really think so?" Her voice trembled.
"I sure do. Your too strong to let somethin' like this getcha down. Don't fret so much 'bout it 'cause I know your gonna be 'aight." He laid his free hand over hers, and she suddenly felt relieved.
"Thank you, Goku." She said quietly, and before she could stop herself she leaned in and kissed him.
He smiled. "Thank you." He managed a laugh, and she blushed slightly.
Before she knew it they were standing outside of Mayo's office. She felt all of her prior conditions rushing back with the vengeance of a giant tsunami at the prospect of what was going to be said. She went rigid, and she felt Goku tense as well.
"Here we are." She stated, however, it was more directed towards herself than anyone else.
Goku spun around in front of her and placed his hand on her shoulder. Although he himself was having doubts and fearful premonitions, he smiled very believably, and ran his hand over her hair. He began what he called the "Chichi Process" as he started to straighten her shirt and kemp her hair.
As much as she wanted to stay fearful, she stifled a laugh, yet it came as audible.
"Goku, your crazy." She smiled.
He donned the same expression and flicked her earring with his finger. "And your beautiful."
The smile stayed in place on her expression, yet inwardly, she wondered.
"Would he call Bulma beautiful? Why does he act differently with me. It honestly feels sometimes as if he loves me, but how can that be? Isn't Goku incapable of actually 'loving' somebody like that? And even if he could, why would it be me?"
Her thoughts were beginning to ramble when he straightened. He turned his head towards her and laced his fingers with hers.
"Here we go." He said, and opened the door before she could think another rational thought.
***
Once inside, Chichi's fears began to increase so much that she felt as if she might faint. It was a bad habit since childhood, and though she always tried to rid herself of petty problems, she just couldn't seem to get a grip on it. Luckily, her husband was holding her hand firmly, and she felt that because of his presence she would be able to take whatever they had to say.
She looked at the strangers around the room. Most of them wore white coats, and one wore scrubs. There were five in all, not counting Mayo who sat in the right corner of the room. He stood up as the couple entered.
"Yes, Chichi, please take a seat and we'll begin." He stated emotionlessly.
There was only one seat left that didn't have a body in it, and she wondered why they didn't place one for Goku. Goku carefully nudged her towards the chair, and she sat still, despite the fact that her heart was beating heavily against the wall in her chest.
As much as he was tempted to let her sit on his lap, Goku knew that she wouldn't have felt comfortable with that, especially in such an important meeting, so he placed one hand on the back of the chair, and the other he laid across her shoulder to aware her of his presence.
The lady in scrubs stood, her long, blue hair falling out of its restraint in wisps. She looked friendly, yet professional and no-nonsense, and this only confirmed the hypothesis as she spoke, her voice very controlled and authoritative.
"Mrs. Chichi, I am a surgeon here in this hospital that deals with cases similar to yours. My name is Hoshu, and I specialize in situations dealing with underdeveloped and unnatural pregnancies. We have all delved into your problem with the utmost concern and all the resources we can gather, yet despite all of our attempts, there are very few options we can present to you." She stated professionally.
Goku tried his best to decipher what she was saying, as his vocabulary was still somewhat lacking in flamboyance. However, he was nearly certain that he knew without even attempting to understand.
"Mr. and Mrs. Son," Another doctor stood, his snow white hair was accentuated greatly by his piercing black eyes, that were only magnified by his thick spectacles, "I regret to inform you that the only option we can present that will ensure any kind of survival on the mother's part is to abort the child."
Goku went rigid instantly, his heart rate accelerating dramatically. One thing he did know for sure was that they wanted to kill his child.
Chichi opened her mouth, half in protest, half in shock, yet was cut off by a Jamaican doctor who assumed the floor.
"I don't believe in 'dat sort of thing." He stated, "And I have one or two o'der 'tings that we could try, but I regret to say 'dat an abortion is 'da only way that we can be sure 'dat your wife will survive, Mista' Son." He directed his statement towards Goku, which relieved Chichi somewhat that her husband's presence had been acknowledged by someone. Yet the relief was short lived as her heart rate reminded her that there were more pressing issues at hand.
Goku nodded, and replied, "I'm sorry, but we don't believe in that."
Mayo piped in, "Sir, you really need to confer with your wife since this is her life that's at stake right now." He said condescendingly.
Chichi echoed her husband's sentiment, "I agree, we don't want to abort. It goes against our moral beliefs, a-and, I'm sure there's some-something else that we could try." She stuttered.
Mayo opened his mouth, but closed it as he saw a tall, lanky man stand to his feet. There was something about this doctor that the others respected, and Chichi and Goku held their tongues as he opened began to speak.
"My name is Dei Kotsuhiro, but that is unimportant. What is important is that you know one or two things concerning your situations." He said, his voice was commanding, yet restrained. His piercing dark eyes darted from Goku to Chichi, giving both a sense of intense apprehension.
"I hate to tell you this, but since we have been looking through the multiple scans done on your wife, we have all reached a mutual conclusion about the health statistics of your child." He stopped, looking intently at both sets of eyes.
"Because of unparallel blood types on your parts, and underdeveloped chromosomes, not to mention a series of other problems....your child."
He stopped, and Goku felt his heart hit his knees.
"Your child is already showing signs of serious physical deformity."
Chichi gasped, and Goku tightened his grip on her shoulder.
"I'm very sorry, but our tests are showing that the fetus has developed the beginnings of what could be myelomeningocele, more commonly known as Spina Bifida Manifesta. Even if it's not, it is very probable your child will never be able to walk, he'll be crippled for life. If he is delivered, that isn't even scratching the surface of what might be wrong with his mind, or internally. He could very well be autistic, or have a series of other health problems that would take much time and extreme finances to treat, and chances are his problems will only be treatable at most. It's slim to none that he will ever be able to live a normal life even with treatments. I am very sorry, but it seems the best thing for your child is to abort, for his sake and yours. If you do decide to go through with the pregnancy..."
He stopped. Goku tightened his grip once more, as he felt a tear hit his hand. He winced.
There is a 90% chance that the delivery will be fatal to you, and the chance for you child is even slimmer than that. If you do go through with this pregnancy, the chances are very extreme that you will both perish."
"We're going to give you time to talk over this, but whatever decision you make must be made soon, within 24 hours at most. I'm sorry for this, but we must know soon what you are planning to do." A lavender haired woman stood up, as did the other doctors, and began to file out of the room.
"Please let us know as soon as possible." Said Dei, as he passed the distraught couple. Goku had now fallen to one knee and was holding his wife, who didn't even make an attempt at emotional restraint.
The Jamaican Doctor laid a hand on Goku's back as he passed, and offered a few words of encouragement, which Goku couldn't decipher due to the ringing in his ears and the tears that flowed over his body from his wife's eyes.
***
It was a good ten minutes before Chichi was able to say anything at all, and longer than that before Goku eased his grip around her.
"G-Goku..." She sobbed weakly.
"Chichi..." He answered, not in an inquiring nature, as all he could seem to gather strength enough for was to say her name.
"Oh-no." She choked, as the realization of the situation hit her all over again, "What are we going to do?"
"Chichi...." He whispered, to fatigued to voice anything with volume, "I don' know, honey, I honestly don' know."
"Goku." She sniffed, straightening somewhat.
He looked at her and could trace what were the beginnings of a faint, yet distressed smile her face. She answered with a terrible sadness, one that pierced every part of his being.
"Its-Its a boy, isn't it?"
He felt his eyes start to water and he nodded.
"Yeah, I guess it is."
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A/N: AHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I've done it again!! What is gonna happen now? You'll just have to come back next time to find out!! Once again, if anyone wants an update just email me your email addy, or leave it in a review. Thanks ALL OF YA'LL for the SWEET reviews I keep getting! It makes me love ya'll guys more than I thought possible!! Actually, I love ya'll anyhow. Thanks Mira, once again for the LONG reviews!! I'm really, really sorry that it took me two days longer than usual to update, due to circumstances beyond my control I couldn't help it...but I'll try and have chapter four up in less time, now that it seems computer time is comin' easier...as long as my little brother doesn't HOG the computer!! HAHAHAHA!! Yes, Super Saiya-jin Son Gokuu, you will feel the wrath of FRIEZA!!!! *Private Joke* That is, if you DON'T stop coming in and harassing me during my computer time! Ahhhhh!!
Anyhow, I love ya'll guys!! Email me if ya'll wanna talk about anything, since I love keepin' in touch with reviewers and authors alike. I love ya'll, and may God bless!! PICCOLO SMILEY! ())):^)
PS. Hey ya'll, just wanted to ask ya'll since tomorrow is the anniversary of the World Trade Towers and all, before you go off to *REVIEW* this story *SMILES, PUPPY DOG EYES* Would ya'll please stop for like ten seconds and say a prayer for all of the women who lost thier husbands, and husbands who lost their wives?Children who lost parents, freinds who lost thier best friends, folks who lost relatives, co-workers, crushes and siblings. I am lucky to have not been touched by a death of the World Trade Towers, but maybe some of ya'll have. I'll pray for ya'll, too, even if ya'll haven't lost someone in the terrible event. God bless ya'll.
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