Chapter Four: Rediscovery

Skillfully, I snuck into the house my husband and I share with our sons and our oldest son's family, feeling joy that there wasn't any cracking in my bones to wake anyone up. I quickly located the door that led to my bedroom, and opened it to see Goku awake and sitting up in the bed, looking at me.

Instantly, I felt his stare boring into my eyes and I felt strangely guilty, but I pushed those feelings back. The light was still off but I could make out the glimmer of his jet black hair and soft shine of his muscles as the moonlight poured in from a window.

Goku said to me simply. What did you do? Why did I feel the ki of the dragon?

I groped for the lights and turned them slowly, making the lights dim. I saw Goku's eyes widen momentarily as he drank in my new, youthful appearance. But instead of elation and desire I had expected to see, he only looked more sorrowful. He got out of bed and embraced me tightly, burying his face into my black hair.

Oh Chichi... what have you done? Why have you done this?

What do you mean?! I tried to pull myself out of his arms, but that was pretty much a futile effort considering my husband is the strongest man in the universe. Look at you! Look at our sons, and then look at me! I'm young and beautiful now, perfect for you! I can start training again and fighting! I don't have to worry or stress out about our sons anymore, or even about you anymore since the world is safe! I've always done everything I could and more for you and our children! Can't I treat myself to anything once in a while?!

I know I was shouting by this time, but I didn't care. Goku kept looking at me very sadly until I started sobbing and whispered, I just wanted to be beautiful again. I know it was silly and selfish but thinking about how I wasted my youth away in the kitchen and worrying about you and our sons... it kills me! It kills me over and over! I have a second chance now... to be able to do things differently, to not be so wrinkled... And people will stop asking me if you are my son or nephew! I'm your wife and I should look it!

You do look it though, Goku cupped my face in his large hands. You always looked like my wife. Even from the beginning when we got married, to now. You are so beautiful Chichi, even before you wished your wrinkles away. To be honest... I loved them. He smiled a bit bashfully at that.

You did?!

Yes... I never said anything cause I know you hated them... and to be honest you can get quite scary when you're angry, Goku grinned. But I loved every wrinkle on your face, everything about your body the way it is now... in fact better than when you didn't have any. It showed me everything you've done for me... worrying about me, loving me, taking care of me, giving me our children. When I was fighting, all I had to do was picture you and remember the most important reason to fight... to keep you and this world safe. Do you realize that what you do is more important than what I do? You are my rock, my support, and my constant reminder that there are more wonderful things than fighting. Without you... I wouldn't have been able to keep going, to keep fighting.

Goku... I'm not worthless? I'm not just the nagging housewife?

You never were.

Oh Goku! I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face in his collarbone, sobbing with happiness.

Goku held me tighter and kissed the top of my head gently. He held me until my sobs subsided and then looked me over. I looked at him and smiled, then took his hand and my bag with the Dragon Balls. The two of us walked outside and Goku lifted me into his arms and flew through the starlit sky to a large empty field. He set me down carefully as I opened my bag and summoned the dragon again.

Well? Have you decided on your second wish? the dragon's voice boomed.

I looked at my husband and smiled. I wish for my first wish to be canceled... but although my body would look the as it did before, I ask that I would be able to retain the same energy and strength I have in this body.

That's a simple wish. It is granted. Now... farewell. The dragon disappeared in a glowing gold light and the dragon balls began to fly up, I made sure to see the four star ball and leapt into the air to catch it before it flew off. When I landed, I didn't feel any different but when I touched my face, I felt the wrinkles greeting me like an old friend. I turned and faced my husband who was smiling at me.

Here you go, I handed him the four star ball.

Goku looked at the ball, which had turned into a round lump of stone, then pulled me close and kissed me. Goku's kisses are magical, both soft and firm at the same time, gentle and kind, loving and affectionate... at the same time, passionate and strong. My husband, who had known nothing about physical affection when we married became a very knowledgeable man in this area. I kissed him back and felt him lift me in his arms, then felt him taking off into the sky.

Blue Jeans's Note: Awww... isn't Goku just so sweet?