Chapter Nine: Don't I Know You?
"No," Shenlong answered to Gohan's request. "I can not reverse the wish."
"That can't be true!" Trunks protested, his emotions pressing forth. "As long as the wish doesn't exceed Kami, you can grant it! You have to do this, Shenlong! This is the only way to fix this entire mess!"
He hung his head, blushing with embarrassment and anger. Everyone's eyes were on him.
"This isn't fair," he quietly added. "My father gave his life to do what Gohan should have done. Why should he have to give up his life for no purpose? My father nobly gave up his LIFE to help someone he doesn't even really care for… This wasn't easy for him to do; yet, he has to suffer anyway. It's not fair…"
"The one called Vegeta? He did what you speak of?" Shenlong asked. "Yes," Kuririn answered. "He did it for Goku and his family."
The head of Shenlong's silhouette hung in defeat, and he sighed. "In this case, I will do as Vegeta's son asks. I can see the sincerity in his heart and in every single one of you here."
"Yay!" Goten cheered. "Things can be back to normal again!" The others smiled, knowing true peace would arrive soon.
"But," Shenlong spoke. His red eyes looked away. "The one called Son Gohan…"
"Yes?" Gohan meekly asked. He wondered what Shenlong would say now. Would he reprimand him? Curse him for delivering pain to the innocent?
"Son Gohan, are you prepared for the consequences of the reversed wish? You know exactly what you want to be granted. If I do as you say, you will be overcome with what will come to you."
Gohan hung his head. "Yes, I'm ready… I understand."
Shenlong added, "Be completely sure with all your heart, which must be pure and willing to accept the results. Are you sure?"
Gohan nodded, and a blinding light cast over Kami's Lookout and over vast areas, altering everyone's minds as they were engulfed in the light. The others remained on Kame Island; unaware of anything that just happened, except for the Son family, who was going through their own circumstance far away.
***
Son Goku felt a strange chill come upon him in his sleep. It felt like something magical was running through his veins. It was like something was changing inside him; something bad was melting away.
Purity and a sense of newness overcame Goku, and when he opened his eyes, he looked around. Everything appeared to be the same as last time. Maybe the change was truly inside him…
Now, he stood up to his feet, and a radiant smile crossed his face as he sensed a very familiar ki he no longer wanted to ignore. "Chi-Chi…"
Goku began to run closer and closer to where he felt Chi-Chi's ki was the strongest. Making his way through a forest, he continued his journey for the one his heart loved the most. He stepped over fallen tree trunks, and ducked beneath lowly branches of upright trees, getting closer to a clearer view of a shady patch of green.
A glance permitted his heart to flutter suddenly as he thought he saw a recognizable hint of his wife. That dark hair coruscating in the sun… Her slender figure tantalizing his eyes right now… Yes, it was unmistakable. It was Chi-Chi!
On the other hand, Chi-Chi was lost, wondering why she ended up here in the green clearing that was an exit to the forest behind her. I could've sworn I was talking with Bulma somewhere else… She thought quizzically. All she remembered was a shiny light and then…She was here.
Well, there was no point in staying lost, she figured. But finding the way back to Kame Island was not an easy one. Chi-Chi didn't even know where she was, and she wanted to leave now, not to mention she keeps hearing noises in the forest frequently, as if an animal or some sort of creature kept following her…
Once more, she heard crinkling leaves being crunched under the weight of…
Chi-Chi spun around to see what it was, and her eyes widened immediately, a gasp slipping her lips. N-No, that can't be… I'm dreaming. Was it a dream? Yes, it has to be one!
Her mind was racing; she wasn't thinking clearly. Now she thinks Goku is standing right there! Delusional…
But with the way he surely stood there, his onyx eyes seeing into her soul otherwise told her Goku was there. He blinked slowly, as if he couldn't believe she was there as well.
Chi-Chi's heart swelled with the desire to run up to him and throw her arms around him in an intimate embrace, but suddenly, it faded away as a new feeling overcame her. This was the same man who had decided not to return for seven years. Yet, this was the same man who DID return and withstood pain for six months as he tried to be at home.
Everything that had ever happened: the fact no one knew him, the reason why she pushed him away. She rejected him and cast him away…
And now, more memories began to stir in Chi-Chi's mind. The sweet, sweet memories of the first few months of marriage when everything was almost like a tangible fantasy. The intimacy she shared with this man…
But, she couldn't ignore the searing pain she felt during the times Goku left her alone, whether he trains or dies, as well as risking their son's life and exposing him to things a young child shouldn't see.
But most of all, she remembered the times she was truly happy with him, even the last few days before the Cell Games. However, now the most vivid memories were the ones of how cruel she was to him during the six months of his return.
Rejection, denial, harsh words, and pain… All these things she gave to Goku.
Yet, now as he stood there, Chi-Chi KNEW without a doubt, who he was, and wanted to be with him.
Tears clouded her eyes as her body trembled; she was overwhelmed with the anticipation of Goku's reaction of her desire to get near him. Would he forgive her for all the pain she caused him? Would he even WANT to get near her after all this?
Holding back was no longer an option; the hot tears streamed down Chi-Chi's face as she gazed at Goku in disbelief. No way… No way would you want me now, Goku. Not after all that we've been through. Yet, I wonder…
Would you let me go into your arms again?
***
Goku's heart had been filled with joy at the discovery of his wife, and he wanted to touch her, to be assured that he had really found her. Yet, would she reject him as she did a week ago? Doubt and desire seemed to vanish as the sight of Chi-Chi's tears made Goku stop staring at her as if he were fantasizing.
"Chi-Chi?"
Goku noticed Chi-Chi seemed startled as she responded to her name. Was she afraid? Goku looked her in the eyes, and she tore her gaze off his face, as blush heated her cheeks greatly.
"It's me, Goku… Hey, why are you crying?"
There was no response, and the more Goku waited for one, the more he just wanted to be near her. He hated it when she cried. When he took a step forward, he finally heard his name in a whisper, and his heart filled with joy.
She knew him! She said his name; she recognizes at last that he is her husband!
"Yes, Chi-Chi, it's me! I'm so glad you remember who I am!" he exclaimed, smiling. But soon, his grin faded away as he realized she still stared away, trembling, almost solemn.
"Chi-Chi, come here."
He spoke to her softly, yet sternly. His command was not to intimidate, but to encourage her to near him. Still, Chi-Chi couldn't obey it, and Goku assumed she was afraid. But why?
Goku slowly took steps closer toward Chi-Chi, but she took steps backwards.
"Chi-Chi? What's wrong? Why won't you look at me?" Goku's voice had sounded incredulous and sorrowful, but he couldn't be sad now. He had to comfort Chi-Chi of whatever was causing her to be afraid of him.
"Please… Talk to me, Chi-Chi. I can't do this alone…"
Nothing was happening, and so Goku had bridged the distance between them. He placed his hand under Chi-Chi's chin and brought her head up so she can look at him. She tried to turn her head away, but Goku stopped her, cupping her face in his hands.
"Don't do this, Chi-Chi," Goku said gently. "We'll never get anywhere like this. I need you to talk to me." He watched her, knowing she couldn't get away now.
Chi-Chi voiced her thoughts, as more tears fell, rolling over Goku's hands and slipping between his fingers. "…Goku, why are you holding me like this? Why are you near me at all? How could you with everything I've done to you? If you think-"
He cut her off, pulling her in an embrace. He held her tightly, yet gently, as he pressed her head against his chest. His rapid heartbeat and slightly sped breath was present to Chi-Chi's attention.
"That's why," he answered.
"Why are you out of breath?" Chi-Chi asked softly.
Goku wrapped his arms around her affectionately, glad to hold her. "I don't know what happened exactly, but I knew I sensed your ki and I wouldn't stop looking for you until I found you."
Chi-Chi tried to hold back more tears from coming forth, but the fact he wanted to still find her after all this mess made the tears fall. "But why would you?" she whispered. "I never deserved you, and I don't deserve you now."
Goku made Chi-Chi look at him now, and he wiped her tears away. "Don't talk like that," he whispered. "It's not true. No one deserves anything, but they do get things, don't they? Just like me with your love. That's something I didn't even know existed, something I know I didn't deserve. But you gave me your love and that's why I love you."
He looked at her sincerely, and smiled warmly. Then he placed a gentle kiss on her lips, but Chi-Chi wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his, kissing him back, missing that feeling.
Goku closed his eyes, remembering just how beautiful it felt to show that one simple sign of affection. All too soon, Chi-Chi pulled away, looking at him softly, her cheeks brushed with blush. "I love you, Goku…"
Goku couldn't resist having another kiss from Chi-Chi, and he covered her mouth with his, placing passion into the kiss. He deepened it as he pulled Chi-Chi closer to him, his hands resting around her waist.
When he pulled away, he smiled at Chi-Chi. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time." The blush never left Chi-Chi's face as she laughed softly. "You'll get to do it some more, but now we have to find Gohan and Goten."
"Oh, right," Goku agreed. "I'll just sense their ki and then we'll get them in no time."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Goku and Chi-Chi arrived at Kame Island, they found Gohan and Goten there along with everyone else. The moment Goten saw Goku, his face lit up, a huge smile at his lips. "Goku, Goku!!"
He dashed away from his sparring match with Trunks, and jumped into Goku's arms, hugging him tightly. "I thought I'd never see you again," Goten whispered. "I'm so glad you're here…"
Chi-Chi smiled, and wondered how Goten would react once he finds out Goku is his father. Then she looked around, confused. "Where's Vegeta, you guys?"
"Yeah, where'd he go?" Bulma asked.
Trunks looked at both women. Hmm, wouldn't you care to explain, Gohan? He bitterly thought. He merely spoke, "My father did a hero's action. He did it for everyone, to help you, Gohan…"
Chi-Chi raised an eyebrow, confused, and looked at Gohan, who seemed uncomfortable. "Gohan, what's he talking about?" Gohan just walked toward his family. "I'll explain everything at home…" I'll have to…but I'm glad the wish was reversed…
When the Son family arrived at their home, Goten smiled, looking up at Goku and Chi-Chi. "So Goku is allowed to stay? He can stay longer?" Goku smiled down at Goten. "Actually, Goten, there's something you need to know."
He looked at Chi-Chi, and she started, "Gohan, Goten, I never thought this day would come. I never thought we would be a real family for a long time. I had a hope in my heart, but I never thought it would come true. I thought this man beside me would never come home… This is your father, Goten."
Surprise and happiness was clearly written on the boy's face, as his eyes grew big. "Really? That's why we're so much alike! I thought you weren't my father, but then I thought of you as one, and what do you know? You are!"
Then he quieted down, fixing an adoring gaze on Goku's face. . "…You're my Daddy…" He embraced Goku's leg affectionately, but Goku lifted his youngest son up and hugged him close, tightly.
"Finally," he heard Goten whisper. "I love you, Daddy."
Goku's heart and eyes softened, and he felt like he was holding a newborn. "Daddy loves you too, Goten…"
When Goku set Goten down, Goten yawned tiredly. "It's been such a long day, and I wanna take a nap. I'll play with you later, Daddy." Goku smiled, watching Goten retreat to his room. Once Goten's door shut, Chi-Chi spoke.
"Gohan, Trunks was talking about Vegeta taking a hero's action and stuff… He said he did it for everyone and you. What did Trunks mean?"
Gohan looked down at the floor, putting his hands in his pockets. There was no backing out now. It was time to swallow the burden all over again.
"It's a long story… This is my entire fault. Mom, are you confused as to why you, Goten, and I didn't know who Dad was? Well, it's because of something I did. I… I wished it would happen."
Both Chi-Chi and Goku's eyes had widened, and Gohan forced himself to look at Goku.
"Dad, this is all my fault. When you died in the Cell Games, I felt what you did was unforgivable. I know all this wasn't entirely your fault, but you don't know how much Mom and I suffered during your death.
I became so sad, angry, and lost. I was mad at you for dying, for making me and Mom cry, but mostly Mom.
I was mad that you didn't talk to us while you were dead. One day, I got tired of it. I knew no matter what I did, Mom wouldn't be happy. She was all I had left. Well, she was pregnant with Goten; he was all I had too. With Goten around, it got harder to get things in order.
You know the day I talked to you, using my first wish granted by Shenlong. But I didn't tell you my second wish. I was so happy that I was finally able to, but I was also mad at you, and in my anger, I wished you out of my and Mom's lives. I had no idea it would just make things worse."
"Then what?" Goku asked quietly.
Gohan could hear the hurt in his father's voice, and he felt remorse well up in his stomach. "Then I had help from Kuririn and Yamcha. We were going to try to reverse the wish, but Shenlong did it himself."
After that, Gohan was quiet, full of shame. "I'm sorry for everything, Dad…"Goku stood in his position in disbelief for so long, thinking about what Gohan told him. His son was that angry with him? Goku's heart sank at the fact he couldn't see his family's pain and that Gohan had really despised him at one point in his life.
Then, anger took over. Goku did come back, to try to compensate and take his roles as a father and husband again. But he couldn't because of Gohan! Gohan was the cause of his suffering!
For six months he couldn't do anything with his family! Not be known as a father, not being depended on, not getting near his wife! Because of his son!
As for Chi-Chi, she felt everything freeze as the shocking truth settled in her mind. Was it true? Her son, Gohan, was the reason for this pain? And he was pretending in the midst of it all?
Chi-Chi nearly swooned, overwhelmed and distraught. My Kami, it was Gohan…?
Anger boiled in her blood, but she did not move or quaver. Only the truth that she was deprived of stayed with her.
Month after month, and year after year… Kami knew she tried to survive and understand life in the middle of the crisis, but Gohan…
Gohan wished the earth would just open up and swallow him. No way did he want to stand in front of his parents right now. He didn't want to imagine their reaction, though his eyes unwillingly trailed up to their faces. Immediately, a lump formed in his throat at their expression.
Kami, he had hurt them so much…
Tears built up in his eyes as he blushed terribly. "I'm sorry," he whispered, feeling his tears stream down his cheeks. That was all he could say. Only apologies would flow from his mouth. That, and the tears from his eyes.
***
"I…I can't really believe Vegeta is gone."
Bulma bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears and sustain her feelings. "He did what he felt was right," Kuririn spoke quietly next to her. "He's a good guy…"
"He has courage," Yamcha admitted. "I really don't know if I would do that for someone…"
Everyone seemed to have something nice to say about Vegeta, but they couldn't feel the sorrow of Vegeta's wife and son, though their quiet voices indicated their sympathy.
Trunks looked down, still thinking. I know Dad did the right thing, but he's hurt Mom and me too. Why did he have to go that far? 'I have a plan'? Yeah, Dad, thanks… Gohan… This isn't fair.
Trunks glanced at his mother sadly, and she stared at her clasped hands, sullen. "He didn't even ask how Trunks and I felt…" she murmured.
Trunks looked back down again. Gohan… You have no idea how messed up things really are, do you?
***
Goku tried to control his anger. He had never been this angry before, except when Freiza had killed Kuririn on Namek. Well, this anger was to a lesser degree, but Goku could feel the Super Saiyan urge of anger pressing forth. He glared at Gohan.
"Go, Gohan. Just go," he managed through clenched teeth.
Gohan was not reluctant as he obeyed. He didn't want to upset his father anymore. Just get out of his way…
When it was just the two of them, Chi-Chi approached Goku and placed a hand on his shoulder, but Goku flinched under her touch.
"Goku…"
Goku spun around, looking at his wife in disbelief. "How could he do this to us, Chi-Chi? He cheated us a portion of our lives through that wish! How could he?!"
Chi-Chi took in a deep breath and placed a hand on each of Goku's shoulders, massaging them as she spoke to him. "Goku, listen. I know how difficult this is, and how you feel. I, too, am just as angered and shocked as you are, maybe even sad. I know the circumstance allows us to point fingers at Gohan, but it's not all him."
Goku's jaw nearly dropped. "Chi-Chi, did you hear what you just said? Because of him, we-"
"Let me finish," Chi-Chi stated, placing a finger on his lips to silence him. "Yes, Gohan made this wish, but he also did something else. In the battle against Cell, he didn't finish him off when you told him to. Yet-"
"You see?" Goku interrupted, his muscles tensing again. Chi-Chi massaged them again. "Yet," she continued.
"Everything isn't exactly his fault. He told us why he made the wish. You didn't want to come back after you died, and you didn't speak to Gohan and me during the seven years. I was emotional and pregnant, and Gohan had to watch me everyday, and it was feeding the hatred in him."
Goku looked away, realizing that was true. Then his eyes shot back up when he heard Chi-Chi say, "In a way, this is my fault as well."
Chi-Chi grimaced and then sighed. "When you came back to live with us, I didn't want you to stay because you were a stranger to me. But Kami allowed you to. I somehow said yes to Gohan's ridiculous request to let you stay.
"I didn't realize that with you staying, it was a blessing in disguise. Goten had learned to love you, and Gohan wanted you around. We were happy, but I was too confused and suspicious to see the happiness and that's why I sent you away.
"I denied my feelings for you while you stayed with us for six months. Since you were a stranger, I told myself not to fall in love with you. But I had already appreciated what you had done for Gohan and Goten. I gradually fell in love. So, you see, my denial was part of the pain.
We all contributed to our own pain, Goku."
Goku's face twisted with thoughtfulness and confusion. Everything Chi-Chi said was somewhat making sense. "But, Chi-Chi… The denial wasn't your fault. You were under the influence of the wish. If I had came back, you would have loved me anyway."
Chi-Chi shook her head. "That doesn't excuse me for the pain I've caused you. I did, Goku." She was remorseful as she took her hands off his shoulders. "And you'll never know how sorry I'll be for it," she whispered.
"Don't be," Goku said. Chi-Chi gave Goku her back, sadly. Doesn't he get it? The guilt she feels from hurting her husband… It wouldn't leave her. Chi-Chi stared down at the nearby couch, but gasped slightly as she felt Goku's arms wrap around her waist, and his chin rest on her shoulder.
"Chi-Chi, I told you to stop talking like that," he whispered in her ear. "I'm okay. I don't want you to feel hesitant around me, because I don't feel that way around you. I still love you. I… I still want to share intimacy with you."
Chi-Chi was silenced, feeling her cheeks flame, and now even more so, as Goku began to kiss her neck. He nipped at it, doing what he knew would arouse Chi-Chi.
She moaned softly, and involuntarily turned around into his arms.
"Would you like that too?" he asked her, huskily.
Kami, she had missed being close like this to him, and hearing his deep, sexy voice. Chi-Chi gazed up at him, her eyes glazed with desire. Goku smiled at that, and kissed her gently. On instinct, Chi-Chi kissed back, and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his.
Goku deepened the kiss, and guided Chi-Chi to lie on the sofa. Goku smiled above her and could feel himself in a fantasy all over again. He straightened his knees, so he lay down, but propped himself up with his elbows.
He lay on top of Chi-Chi, but adjusted his weight so he wouldn't crush her. His lips met Chi-Chi's again, and everything was feeding his desire. The way she felt against him, the way she was kissing him…
Chi-Chi closed her eyes, feeling Goku all around her. Words couldn't express just how grateful she was to have Goku here with her. He still knew what made her at her weakest. Chi-Chi opened her eyes slightly, looking around the room.
It was tidy, as nearly every room was in the house. Well, except for the boys' room, though they tried to please their mother with cleanliness.
The boys! Gohan!
Chi-Chi's eyes widened, and she squirmed under Goku, who had, without her knowing, unbuttoned the first three buttons of her blouse and was resuming his kissing journey down her chest.
Goku sensed his wife's discomfort and pulled away. "What is it, Chi?"
Chi-Chi gently pushed against Goku's chest, letting him know to sit up. When Goku did sit up, Chi-Chi buttoned her blouse back up and mentioned Gohan was in the next room, an open space.
"Oh," Goku said sheepishly and then rubbed the back of his head. "I was so into this that I forgot." Chi-Chi blushed. "I know."
Goku sighed and called Gohan back into the room. When Gohan came, Goku ordered him to sit on the sofa, as he and Chi-Chi stood above him.
Gohan hung his head. Here it comes…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I need you to hear your mother and me out," Goku said. "What you did wasn't fair, Gohan. I know how you felt during the seven years of my death, and I apologize for all the pain I've caused you and your mother, but you didn't have to take matters into your own hands."
Gohan looked up at Goku, anxious. "Well, Dad, can you blame me for trying to put an end to Mom's pain? To MY pain? If I hadn't done anything, who knows how long you would've been dead for! Not seven years. Eight? Nine? Ten? Forever?"
"Gohan, that's enough," Chi-Chi firmly said. She spoke instead of Goku, who looked like he was about to shout, or do something worse, to Gohan. "I understand what you were trying to do, but it failed. Instead of taking away the pain, you delivered it all over again. I know you've always had a burden and great deals of responsibility, but now you have to withstand the consequences of your actions."
"So you're siding with Dad," Gohan spat.
"Gohan, what is the matter with you?!" Goku nearly yelled. "Don't you understand that you've hurt us beyond belief?! What do I have to do to get you to see my point?! Don't get smart here. Just accept the fact that you've done wrong and let it be! You can't hide anymore!"
***
Goten stirred in his sleep and awoke, smiling, thinking of how to spend the evening with his father and family. Maybe after a nice dinner, they could spar or go do karaoke. Yeah, Goten smiled.
But that smile quickly faded away as heard voices rising. Gohan's. Then Goku's. Chi-Chi's. Goten scampered to his bedroom door and peeked outside, seeing that his family was indeed angry.
What's going on? He thought. Why are they yelling? Why can't they get along?
Goten tried to listen for an explanation, but all he heard were excuses, accusations, and more yelling or firm speaking. Goten's heart sped. He was afraid and confused.
When people yell, they usually end up parting ways. Oh, was it true?
Goten blinked, sadly.
Is the Son family destined to be torn apart?
To be continued…
Chapter Ten: Another Chance
A/N:
(1) This chapter was long, I know. But I had so many ideas gushing forth at once and I somehow crammed it all into this one chapter. ^^;
(2) My poor sweet Goten… Things will get better…I hope. ^_~