His Special Gift

Part Four: A Father's Secret Revealed

Chi-Chi awakened uneasily. Being eight months pregnant wasn't easy. Her stomach was larger than ever, her feet were swollen and she was tired almost all the town. She sat up in bed, smiling wistfully as she thought about being pregnant with Gohan.

That was an experienced she'd never forget. Goku cooking for the first times. The meals were disastrous at first when he tried cooking at the stove so he decided to go about it his way. He went out to hunt for fish or wild animals like dinosaurs, tigers and wolves and cook it over a hot fire.

At first, Chi-Chi was reluctant to eating the food, but she soon changed her mind as she found the food delicious and in her pregnant state she was willing to eat anything and have the strangest cravings.

Now Gohan was taking over the cooking. He didn't almost burn the house down like his father did when he took a stab at the stove and that was a good sign.

Gohan came in with a tray of food. "Good morning, Mom. I've got your breakfast."

Chi-Chi struggled to sit. "Oh, thank you, Gohan. I was going to get breakfast started but I just didn't have the energy."

"It's okay, Mom. You have to save your energy for the baby. Plus you have a doctor's appointment this morning."

Chi-Chi took the food and ate it quickly. "This is definitely your father's child. I'm eating so much because of him."

"Did you eat a lot with me?" Gohan asked sitting on the bed.

"Yeah, I did. Even your father was amazed that I ate as much as him. I remember we even had an eating contest to see who could eat the most," Chi-Chi said laughing at the memory.

"Who won?" Gohan asked.

"Your father, but I think it's because he was used to eating so much food. Ooh," Chi-Chi said rubbing her stomach. "Your baby brother or sister just kicked. Wanna feel?"

Gohan put his hand on his mother's swollen abdomen. The baby kicked under Gohan's hand. "Hey, I felt it." The child kicked again and Chi-Chi grimaced in the baby. "Wow. That was a strong one."

"Yeah. You were a strong kicker, too. You used to keep me up half the night with your strong kicks just like this one." Chi-Chi paused a moment to hold back the tears. "Your father…he used to rubbed my stomach and talk to you. Sometimes he would press his ear to my stomach and hear your heartbeat. I don't know how he heard it but he did. Must be because he's a Saiyan. He…" Chi-Chi let a tear slide down her cheek and she immediately wiped it away. "I'm getting emotional. Must be the pregnancy."

Guilt tapped into Gohan. 'Mom misses Dad. She wishes he was here with us and the new baby, and he would be to if I had finished Cell. What kind of big brother am I going to be? How can I look in my baby brother or sister's eyes knowing I helped kill our father?'

"Gohan?"

Gohan snapped out of his thoughts to look at his Mom. "Hmm?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Gohan said putting on a smile.

"It's your father, isn't it? I get sad sometimes thinking about him, too, but he wouldn't want us to be this way."

Gohan just nodded. "I'll clean up. You get ready for the doctor."

****

Goku laid on a hill looking up at the pink sky on the Grand Kai's planet. He was taking a break from his extensive training and fighting with all the other great warriors on the planet. He thought about Chi-Chi and Gohan and wondered what they were doing.

King Kai spotted Goku on the hill frowning. Baba was floating beside him on his crystal ball. She was looking for a fighter on the Grand Kai's planet and decided to check on Goku. 'Hmm, he must be missing his family.' The sensei made his way up the hill next to Goku.

"Hello, Goku."

Goku sat up and smiled when he saw Baba. "Oh, hey, Baba! What are you doing here?"

"This is the planet where I get fighters to fight in my tournament. Miss your family?" the old woman asked.

"Yeah."

"Well, you can still see them."

Goku eyes lit up surprised. "How?"

"You can look through my crystal ball." Baba explained and said an incantation.

Goku watched the crystal ball produce an image of Chi-Chi, Gohan and a man who looked to be a doctor in a hospital room. They were watching something on a small monitor. Goku smiled knowing what was going on. He listened in as the doctor told Chi-Chi and Gohan that the baby was healthy and everything was running smoothly.

"Oh, wow," King Kai said once they were through observing Chi-Chi and Gohan. "Your wife's pregnant and you're not there. You probably didn't know it. What a way to find out you're going to be a Dad again."

Goku had his usual smile. "I already knew, King Kai."

"You did? When?"

"I got her pregnant on purpose."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, I thought it was the only thing I could do," he said as he began to think back to a certain night.

Goku laid in bed with his hands behind his head thinking. The Cell Games were less than a week away. 'With the new set of dragon balls, everyone that's been killed by Cell will be revived.' Goku smiled at that thought. No one would lose their life. Goku suddenly frowned. 'I may die. I'm fighting Cell first, but that's so Gohan can see Cell's fighting moves. With Gohan's new strength, he'll be able to beat Cell. He's a lot stronger than me and stronger than Cell so he can do it. I don't have to die.

'Still, Gohan's hidden power usually comes out in emotional outbursts like with Garlic Jr. If I die, it may trigger Gohan's hidden power to defeat Cell.' Goku frowned. 'I don't want to die again. I want to come home.' He looked to his right and saw Chi-Chi sleeping. 'It seems I'm the cause of everything. The Saiyans came for me. They killed all my friends because they wanted me. Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma went to Namek to revive them because I wasn't there to save them. That caused them to encounter Frieza. He killed Krillin because my Spirit Bomb wasn't strong enough to defeat Frieza. It was Frieza's hatred of me that caused him to come to Earth to try to kill everyone. Because I defeated Dr. Gero's Red Ribbon Army, he wanted revenge on me and thus created the Androids and Cell. It's like I'm responsible for everything that's been happening to everyone and the Earth. If I die, then there probably won't be a threat to my family, friends or Earth anymore. I have to do what's best for everyone and not me.'

He touched Chi-Chi's face. 'What about Chi-Chi? I don't want her to be alone. There's only one thing I can think of doing.'

Goku moved closer to kiss Chi-Chi. Chi-Chi awakened in the kiss and kissed him back. She pulled away reluctantly. "What was that for?"

"Because I love you and I want you," he said and covered his lips over hers again. The kiss deepened as he pulled her closer and removed her clothes along with his, leaving his gift to her.

"So, I thought the only thing I could do was leave Chi-Chi a child so she wouldn't be alone anymore. She will have something to remember me by."

"Well, that's understandable." King Kai said.

Goku nodded. "Hey, Baba, can I ask a favor?"

"What, Goku?"

"Could you come by when Chi-Chi's giving birth?"

Baba smiled. Though naïve and little rude as a little boy, he was always sweet. "Sure, Goku. I'll let you know."

****

Chi-Chi awakened from her nap. She had taken one when she returned from the doctor. She struggled to find a comfortable position to take another nap, but with her swollen stomach, it was nearly impossible. She heard the door opening behind her.

"Mom, I need you to come downstairs."

"Is something wrong?" Chi-Chi asked as slowly rolled over to face Gohan.

"No, there's something I want you to see."

Chi-Chi started to get out of bed and Gohan helped her. "What's downstairs?" Chi-Chi asked. "It wasn't any different two hours ago."

Gohan took his Mom's hand as he led her out of the room and downstairs. "It's something you should see."

"Fine, but I don't--" she gasped at what she saw. The room was decorated with streamers, balloons, party food, gifts wrapped up and other party decorations. There was a sign that said 'Son Chi-Chi's Baby Shower'. "What is this?" Chi-Chi asked surprised.

"Surprise!" Everyone screamed jumping out from behind the sofa and table.

Chi-Chi gasped seeing her father, Krillin, Bulma with Trunks in her arms, Yamcha, Puar, Master Roshi, and Oolong jumped from their hiding places.

Piccolo stepped out of the corner with his arms folded. He didn't look comfortable being there. "Surprise," he muttered.

"Oh, I don't know what to say," Chi-Chi said almost speechless.

"Thank you would be appropriate," Oolong muttered.

"Oolong!" Puar scolded at the pig.

"I never expected anything like this," Chi-Chi said on the verge of tears. "A Baby Shower," she looked at Piccolo. "I'm surprised you came, Piccolo."

"Yeah, well, Gohan wanted me to come."

"I couldn't get Vegeta to come and that's probably a good thing. Last thing we need is his negative attitude," Bulma said.

"Come on, Mom," Gohan said walking his mother to the sofa. "Sit down. We got lots of gifts for you and the baby."

Ox King was first with his gift. He rolled out a brand new stroller wrapped in a bright red bow. "Wow, Dad," Chi-Chi said as she touched the stroller. It looked far more advanced than the one she and Goku got for Gohan years ago. "It's beautiful." She stood up to give her Dad a hug before sitting down.

Ox King also gave Chi-Chi several baby clothes. Since they didn't know the sex of the child, he bought neutral clothes.

"I've got something for you, too, Mom."

Chi-Chi looked at Gohan surprised. "You didn't have to give me anything."

"But I wanted to, Mom." He said handing her a wrapped box.

Chi-Chi opened he box. The gift was still under wrapped paper. She pulled out a mobile. "It's beautiful." It was a handmade mobile with pictures of Goku, Gohan, Chi-Chi and her father.

"I took the mobile you had me as a kid and replaced the baby animals with pictures of you, Dad, Grandpa and me," Gohan explained.

Chi-Chi hugged her son. "Oh, sweetie. Thank you."

"Me next!" Yamcha said holding a large gift wrapped box. He placed it before her.

Chi-Chi removed the wrapping to reveal a crib. "Oh, a new crib."

"Not just any crib," Yamcha stated proudly. "It changes into a bed so when your child gets older he or she can sleep in it."

"Thank you, Yamcha. It must have cost a fortune. You didn't have to."

"Ah, it wasn't that much," Yamcha said. "I also got a mattress for it and the sheets and blankets. Oh, I'm not through. I got a car seat for the kid," Yamcha said displaying another box. "I could give you, Gohan and the new baby a ride in my car."

Both Bulma and Krillin had an expression of 'huh' on their faces. They never knew Yamcha to splurge this much money on a stranger before. Chi-Chi wasn't really a stranger but since she didn't associate with them much, she kind of was.

"Thank you for your generosity, Yamcha. I really don't know what to say. It was very nice of you to do this," Chi-Chi said.

A light tint of red crossed Yamcha's cheeks and rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I'm doing what anyone else would."

Krillin stepped up next. He gave Chi-Chi a high chair that converted into a swing. Oolong gave Chi-Chi a baby monitor. Master Roshi gave Chi-Chi a rocking chair.

Bulma was last with her gifts. "Well, you guys got great gifts but you forgot the most important thing."

"Like what?" Yamcha asked.

"Diapers." Bulma said. "When your baby is born, Chi-Chi, the nursery I shopped at when I was expecting Trunks is sending you a year supply of diapers." She handed Chi-Chi a piece of paper. "This will allow you to get any type of diapers you need for a whole year. You can also buy other baby stuff like bottles, baby powder, baby wipes and teething rings. You won't have to worry about this stuff. I got you covered." Bulma grinned proud of herself.

Bulma handed Trunks to Krillin. "Hold him." She pulled out a large gift basket and placed before her. "A mother needs to look good too you know."

Chi-Chi looked at the items in the gift basket--shower gels, lotions, sprays, sponges, bath crystals, beads, powders, perfumes and a makeup kit. Chi-Chi smiled gratefully at Bulma. "Thank you. I'll be sure to use these." She looked around at everyone. "It's very nice of you to do this for me, even though I've been cold and distant to you all lately. I'll cherish all the items you've given me."

****

Chi-Chi sat with Gohan and her Dad as they listened to stories Master Roshi was telling them about Goku as a child when he trained on his island. Laughter was a constant thing with these stories. Every once and a while Yamcha would throw in stories of his own. Piccolo kept a straight face as he stood listening to the stories though he was laughing on the inside. Oolong was piling food on his plate. Bulma had Trunks who was napping in a baby carrier in front of her and was standing next to Krillin as he poured himself a drink from the punch bowl. Krillin looked at the group entertained in the stories and then at Bulma.

"I need to talk to you outside," Krillin whispered.

Krillin stepped outside first and a few minutes later Bulma came out. "What's up, Krillin?"

Krillin rubbed his bald head. "I may be paranoid but it is me or was--"

"Yamcha acting a little too friendly with Chi-Chi?" Bulma finished. "No, you're not alone."

"You don't think…" Krillin left the rest of the sentence hang.

"Maybe it's just a crush," Bulma said. "He'll be over it soon."

"Yeah," Krillin agreed. "But this is Goku's wife."

"What do you mean by that?" Bulma asked.

Krillin put his hands up. "I don't mean anything bad. Chi-Chi's pretty but I don't see her as a pretty woman walking down the street. I see Goku's wife and Gohan's mother."

"Well, okay. I see your point. So, Yamcha has a crush on Chi-Chi. I doubt if he would admit it and even if he did, what could go wrong? Chi-Chi's young and she won't be cheating on Goku because he's dead. He's not coming back. Do you think Chi-Chi wants to be lonely for the rest of her life?"

"She has Gohan and the new kid."

"That's not what I meant, Krillin and you know that."

Krillin blushed getting the idea. "Yeah, but the few times I was with Chi-Chi and Goku, they were very happy together. I'm not sure she can find that happiness with any other man."

"I don't see anything wrong with Chi-Chi dating Yamcha if it came to that."

Krillin looked at her taken aback. "But, Bulma, how can you say that? You dated him for over a decade and with all that constant fighting and you two being on and off again and him looking at other girls, do you think he's right or her." Krillin shook his head. "No. I think the only guy for Chi-chi was Goku."

Bulma folded her arms as best she could with Trunks in the carrier. "You know, Krillin, before you talk about other people personal lives, you should get one of your own."

Krillin watched Bulma walk back in the house. He rolled his eyes. "Women. I'm just glad 18 isn't like her. She might agree with me."

"She's wrong."

Krillin jumped to see Piccolo approaching him. "Huh?"

"I don't understand this love business, but I do know what loyalty is and Goku's wife will be with no one but him. Yamcha will only make a fool of himself." He turned back getting ready to fly off. "And as for you, I wouldn't trust Android 18 too easily."

"How did you know?" Krillin asked. He first saw her two months ago and every time he did, she would throw him into a tree. He would still approach her and talk to her, trying to coax a date out of her. So far, she had said no, but Krillin was hoping she would say yes one day.

"You can keep your secret from your friends, but not for long. I live on the Lookout now. I can see everything." Piccolo said and flew off heading for his home.

Krillin rolled his eyes. "Great. Everyone's putting their two cents in my life now."

To Be Continued

Part Five: The Newest Son

Cb: Me, too! I thought Yamcha had a tiny crush on Chi-Chi in "Tree of Might" but he didn't start liking Chi-Chi until Goku got sick! Whoo-hoo! I'm not alone! I think--oh, wait I'll explain all about Yamcha in this story. Hee. Hee. As for Goku, well, my explanation on leaving Chi-Chi pregnant was in this chapter. Ff.net has changed things again. They separated stories by character names. If you highlight 'Chi-Chi and Goku' you will get one set of stories. If you set it 'Goku and Chi-Chi' you get a different set of stories. Makes no sense if you ask me.

Lady Athena: Yamcha and Chi-Chi?! Hel--I mean, heck no. Hee. Hee. Yeah, I think Goku's friends looked after Chi-Chi and Gohan. They were men with honor.

Jade: Yep. Yamcha has feelings for her and it's not the other way around.

GoGi: Thanks.

Brios201: Well, thank you very much.

Gogirl: Now you know how diehard a fan I am of Goku and Chi-Chi. I don't think Chi-Chi was disloyal to Goku when he was dead. I think Yamcha might have had a thing for her and whether he confronted her with those feelings or not is anyone's guess, but in the end when Goku came back Yamcha was a respectful man and backed down.