Nothing To Lose

It didn't take long for Chichi, Goten and the Ox-King to reach the park from when they drove off the super high way. Goten was in the back seat on his knees looking out the window as they slowed to a stop at the park. His eyes almost burst with what he saw and he screamed for his mother in happiness. Her laughs joined his screams as she gazed out the window at what laid before them on the lawn. There were balloons and radios bursting with music. Confetti and streamers were everywhere. Most importantly, everyone had been sitting smiling and laughing on the grass. All his friends, and his father's friends were there. And in front a little girl with pink hair and pigtails.

Goten's orange ki was a mere blur to Rini as she wiped at her eyes and waved happily to the boy getting out of the small red car. She would show him. He wasn't alone. Not by a long shot. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she knew it was Serena. She was the one that helped her plan the whole thing. That got the courage to call up Goten's mom, and actually explain the situation. After the yelling and the tears, Chichi finally agreed, and gave her the numbers to invite everyone. She didn't expect them all to show up but they did. And she was happy to see them there.

Rini!

Goten!

Goten made his way running across the large field of grass, his mother laughing behind in the background as both her and her father unpacked the foods. His father's letters happily claiming themselves on his back, and his ki flapping in the wind. He was laughing, his hair was everywhere and yet kept in the same place. He was running towards everyone… towards Rini. She looked so happy. Not like the night she saw so sad standing next to him. She was in tears… because of what he said, because of the way he acted. He would make it up to her. He would o his best to make it up to her. She was so pretty running towards him the way her hair bounced as she ran. The way her little blue dress swayed. It was… well a dress… spaghetti straps on top, cute little kitten in the middle and ruffled and frayed edges up until her knees. On her toes she wore a little blue polish and a strappy blue flat sandals. She looked so pretty. When she finally reached him she smelled so sweet, like strawberries, and her laughs were full like sunshine. She wasn't heavy at all when he twirled her, as light as a feather. Rini! She had done it all for him, he knew it! His mom explained it in the car. When they entered the city and he promised that he was gonna give her the best day ever!

When Goten caught Rini in an embrace everyone laughed and cheered. It was really going to be a day to remember… but not necessarily for the good.

The day went on, in full throttle, laughter, cheers, games of tag and charades filled the air. Chichi manned the grill while Bulma helped, dishing out food that would surely put an end to world hunger. It seemed like everything was in its place. The sun set slowly, and everyone sat on the blankets laughing and happily chatting away. It wasn't long before Videl stood, explaining that she would need to study for a test, and walked to her car parked not far away. Gohan, who was in one of his father's ki stood as well and said that he need to be getting home with Videl. Goten couldn't believe his ears.

You're leaving Gohan?

Yeah, sorry little man. But I really need to get some work done. I'll come and visit you little man.

You always say that Gohan.

I promise this time Goten.

And you always promise too Gohan!

Goten… Don't give your brother such a hard time. He has work to do all right?

But mom, He always has work to do! And it's always away from us and with Videl! He's always got some reason why he doesn't come see either of us for months unless he wants something! He always promises to see his flesh and blood-

That's enough Goten! Gohan lives with Videl. You know that he has been for a while now Goten.

But mom, why doesn't he come see us? He can always make time to sparr, but he cannot even come see his mother and brother!

Hey Goten I'm really sorry kiddo, I'll come see you first thing in the morning.

No Gohan, don't! You're always leaving and always promising. You're supposed to take care of mom and me! Who is going to look out for us? Even dad left.. and now you too?

Goten, I will be having nothing of this! Your father died trying to save the world!

Well id rather there be no world than him being gone! The only father and brother I have now is my mother. She always tells me, think positive… think positive.. just like dad did the last time he was here. But how can I think positive? How can I think positive when there is only one person there for me? How can I think positive when I don't know my own father and the brother I thought would take care of me, and show me all the things a dad would is gone and too busy to see me! Everyone's shushing me and telling me to stay in the place of a child. But what place is that? Mom. I can't take this anymore. Please don't let him leave again mommy please. I know you trying your best but I need him too mom. I tried to stay cheerful for you, but I just can't do it anymore mommy.. please!

Chichi looked at her youngest son tears while streaming down his face. Gohan was behind him speechless, pain and hurt etched across his face. Goten's words really stung him. She knew he never meant them, but thy were all true for her little one. How often did she wake up in the middle of the night to see is tired, cold figure resting and clinging to hers. She'd often find tears on his small chubby cheeks and she'd try her best to brush them away but more always came. She tried to protect him, but she couldn't. It takes a village to educate a child, and there was only one person, her.

Reaching out her arms she pulled her little son into her lap, and rocking him gently back and forth ran her fingers through his hair and spoke to him softly. Muffled cries filled the park as everyone kept quiet and watched the scene. Rini who had been standing on the sidelines all along wanted to take a stand to run over and to yell at everyone but she was held back by Serena, her soft long fingers sliding over her mouth. Rini didn't protest, she just listened to what her friend had to say, just like the other night, and watched as he finally expressed everything he had to her, to them.

Trunks who always had his father and mother near him stood next to them, his eyes a little soft for his friend while his heart thanked Kami he had his parents. Tien, Yamcha and Chiaotzu quietly picked at their food, too saddened to really say anything. The Ox-King placed a hand on Chichi's shoulder and she nodded her head to him. He stood and snapping his large suspenders made his way to the car. Chichi then nodded at Gohan who mouthed an he's sorry, and with his head down, walked to his own car, where Videl had been waiting.

Little Goten continued to sob into his mother's chest as she weaved her fingers through his hair, her back turned to the rest of the group. He blubbered things to her, things only she understood and she nodded and spoke words of wisdom to him. The last things she remembered him say was…

I miss dad.

…then he was out like a light in her arms. The Ox-King had already returned from packing the car and she handed Goten's little body to her father while she smoothed out her dress and dabbed at the large wet spot on her clothes. She turned the other while she continued dabbing and the first to spoke was Bulma.

Chichi… You know we can't bring back Goku right?

She merely nodded before she spoke.

I already knew he would not be coming back. I'm very sorry for Goten's outburts-

No need to apologize Chi. Its a lot to handle for little boy. I'm just sorry we all couldn't be there for him more.

Bulma, don't be silly. You all have your own lives to lead as does Gohan. He'll just have to understand that people cannot drop what they're doing to play with him. I'm just sorry he has to learn this way. He misses Goku more than anything, and I know he's growing a bit tired of seeing his old mom's face all the time. Sigh I guess, We'll just have to work with it. I need to get Goten home and into bed now though. Thank you so very much Rini for this outing! It was something Goten really needed and I'm sorry it had to end like this. I'll be sure to have a get together for you and your family soon.

Wait! Mrs. Son. Please, excuse me, but I believe we may have a way to bring back your husband.

We?

Me and my Serena, that is Mrs. Son.

Do you really think so?

Yes Mrs. Son!

Well, Goten is waiting in the car. Can you call me first thing in the morning while he is still sleeping. When he wakes up, I'll invite you over for tea and we'll discuss it. I'll send him over to Bulma's so it will be a surprise. Is that all right with you Bulma?

Hey, fine by me Chichi, he and my son can work on tearing up the latest patch of lawn.

Thank you Bulma. Is that all right with you Rini?

Yes Mrs. Son.

All right then, let me tend to my son. I will speak to you tomorrow. Thank you everyone for coming!

With that Chichi turned and made her way over the lawn and into the car. She felt everyone's eyes on her back, and she knew what they were thinking. What a way to end things huh? But it didn't matter. She didn't care what they thought anymore. Never did, never will. She had better things to think about. Like her Goten… and her Goku. Do they really think they can bring back Goku and why hadn't they thought of it if it was possible. Chichi buckled her seatbelt, and waited for her father to pull it into reverse and speed off heading towards their home. She didn't care whether it was a foolish choice to get someone's hopes up, especially her own. There was possibly a way to get her Goku back and she didn't care if a monkey proposed it. She needed to see her husband, if not for herself, then for Goten.

The next day the sun arose casting a loving glow on the Son yard. Birds fluttered about and butterflies glided through the light breeze, passing by two figures in the yard. Chichi was seen throwing crisp white sheets across the line and singing happily. She had on her robe over her nightgown being that she hadn't washed up just yet. The first thing she id was jump out of bed, wash and cook, so that her laundry would catch the first fresh rays of sunshine. Besides her outside was her littlest son happily chattering away. Goten was sitting in a chair in his blue dinosaur pajamas, telling her about a dream he had had. There was a dinosaur, a pink one. And then, a yellow one. He was screaming yelling and his dad had came and saved him.

That's nice Goten.

Mom were you even listening!

I heard you Goten, I was listening. Your dinosaurs chasing you, and then your father came and saved you. Yes, I heard.

What do you think it means mom?

Hmm. I think it means you have a vivid imagination, and that just maybe you should get your rugbutt in that house and eat the breakfast I left on the table for you.

Aww, mom, can't I sit out here with you for just a bit more? The sun is so warm.

I'll tell you what? How about you bring your breakfast outside and eat out here. Just so long as you promise to clean up after yourself, not to leave food for the bugs and you put the plates in the sink as soon as you're done.

Really! All right! Deal!

Happily Goten set off for the kitchen and came out with 5 plates in his hand. One on his head, two in his hands and two more balanced on his arms. Chichi laughed at the sight of him and spread a dry blue blanket that had been on the line on the ground for Goten to sit on. He crossed the yard slowly, and sat on the blanket and happily began to stuff his face with sausage and eggs.

Goten when your finished I want you to wash up and get dressed. You're going to spar today with Trunks and his father all right?

Mmm k Mhom.

Bulma will make lunch for you, I want you to use ALL of your manners Goten. No elbows on the table, no talking with your mouth full, like you seem to be doing now, and no bodily noises, do you hear me?

Yesh mhom.

Good.

Hey mom?

Yes Goten.

Can we go out later? When I come home? Maybe to dinner in the city? I love the city.

We'll see Goten all right? Right now, I just want you to finish your breakfast and get your little butt out of here, or you'll be late.

Okay.

With that, Goten sucked in his food with incredible speed, causing an unsatisfied and disgusted look from Chichi's face. Goten caught sight of his mother's look, and laughed, scratching the back of his head the same way his dad did. Picking up his plate, he dashed into the kitchen plunked the dishes in the sink with a loud crashed and dashed into the bathroom. With the door of the bathroom slamming closed, Chichi shuddered and couldn't help but allow a suppressed laugh to echo into the yard. She lifted the blanket and stuffed it into her empty clothesbasket, and carrying it on her hip, headed back for the door. Halfway across the yard the phone began to ring and she hurriedly made her way into the house.

Coming! Coming!

She dashed into the kitchen and grabbed the phone dropping the basket and pulling it close to her ear.

Hello?

Hello… Mrs. Son?

Why Hello Rini, I've been waiting for your call.

Heh, yeah.

So tell me what is this mastermind plan you have?

Well, I guess it would take a bit of explaining ma'am. Maybe you should find a seat.

All right.

Chichi hurriedly sat down in a seat in an oak chair at the table just as Goten dashed into the kitchen with his own orange ki on, ready to go. Talking into the mouthpiece Chichi asked her for a few seconds while she saw her son off. After a muffled sure, Chichi placed the phone down on the table and stood wiping down Goten's still wet face with her robe.

Aww Mah! The water would have kept my face cool when I flew!

Yes, and given you a gigantic cold as well. All right, I guess your all set. Be sure to watch out for planes and any other flying objects. If you get tired take a rest all right? And call your grandfather or me when you get there so that we know you got there safe. Now give mommy a kiss and be off with you.

All right mom, see you!

Goten ran to her side and plopped a large kiss on her cheek and shot out the door before she could change her mind. Sighing Chichi plopped into the chair and picked up the phone again.

Sorry dear, Goten is just off to have a play date with Trunks is all.

It's okay Mrs. Son.

All right, now where were we.

Oh yeah, well, Serena says that it's possible for us to use the Imperial crystal with the dragon balls which will give us the strength to bring back Mr. Goku.

But Goku has been wished back far too many times for the use of the dragon balls.

That is why the Imperial crystal will help. It is able to grant any one wish, except to bring someone to life. Maybe if we combine both, we can bring Mr. Goku back.

Chichi bit her lip. Was it possible for this to work? The great dragon said we couldn't wish Goku back at all. Well, I guess it was worth a shot, just maybe combined the powers would work.

Okay, I guess we could try it. But the dragon balls are scattered.

Well, we can all go gather them.

All of us together! How would we do that, what need would we have for everyone at once?

Well, to support Goten I guess. I'm sure he would want to be the one to help collect them, and I would want to help. I've already spoken with everyone and no one seems to want to be left behind.

All right, all right, I guess we all can go after the Dragon balls. But where will we find the resources to do it?

I've spoken with Mrs. Briefs. She said it would be okay. Please oh Please Mrs. Son, say yes! Even if it doesn't work, it would be worth a try.

All right, all right Rini. When do we leave?

Mrs. Briefs can have everything ready by next week Saturday.

All right Rini. I'll have Goten and myself packed by then.

Okay! We'll ive got some homework to do. I will call you again soon. Goodbye Mrs. Son.

Goodbye Rini.

When Chichi hung up the phone, her hand instantly went to her heart. Her Goku back again! What a wonderful thing this would be! Goten would finally have his father back and all because of Rini. What a lovely young girl she was to help them. Just think… Goku back again!

Here we go! The end of the next chapter. Tell me what you think by reviewing and letting me know. I'll be gradually lengthening the chapters for you guys, because it seems to be moving along rather slowly. Well, I hope you all enjoyed this. I'll try once in a while to talk to the reviewers, even though there is a ban from going around. If you'd like to sign a petition against it, let me know and I'll be sure to send it to you guys. All right thanks for reading hope to hear from you guys again.