DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or Dragon Ball GT. This is a fan fiction, based off the movie and show, but twisted to fit the plot of my own evil genius. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *cough*

Why Can't I

It's Bonus Chapter time! Each of the newest stories get a bonus chapter that took place somewhere in the story but lacked detail. It could be before, during, or even after the story ended.

Today's chapter is for Why Can't I. Rikku's life changes after Gohan is born, she has to learn how to properly take care of him, and cope with the joys and the sorrows of being a single mother.

Inspired by: "You'll be in my heart" by Phil Collins

Bonus Chapter: You'll be in my heart

It was three A.M. and the sound of the baby woke Rikku up from a pleasant dream. Tired, and groggy she stumbled from bed and made her way to the crib to coo her little boy. "Oh, shh, shh, there, there, Gohan, Mommy's here." She pulled the baby into her arms smiling bright and happy when the crying immediately stopped and her son looked up with his big black eyes. "There, that's more like it. What's the matter sweetie? Did you have a bad dream?" She gently touched his hand, her smile widening as his little one clasped about her index finger. He babbled gently in baby talk and she nodded, as if listening, while walking to her rocking chair. She sat down and gently rocked him.

"Come stop your crying, it'll be alright

Just take my hand, hold it tight.

I will protect you from all around you.

I will be here don't you cry."

Barely a year old, Gohan and his stubby legs wobbled before his knees locked together. His lips formed unfamiliar words as he turned a little unbalanced and plopped down onto the grass. His face scrunched up and he wailed. The boy had some lungs on him. It was a wonder how powerful he was at such a young little thing. He'd already managed to break apart his crib, which left her to take him to bed and lay him beside her. Not that she minded of course, it was hard to get annoyed when he had such a cute, loving face.

"That's okay Gohan, it's alright." Rikku kneeled a little closer and held out her hands. The boy stopped crying and reached his hands out for her. When she didn't pick him up her reached further and touched her hands bracing himself on his knees before managing to his feet. "That's it, now come a little closer Gohan, you can do it."

He pouted cutely tilting back and forth not knowing if he should try or not. His head turned when the front door of the house opened and closed, and Chichi joined them out in front. "Any luck?" She asked holding a bottle.

"Not yet, but he's getting close. Is that his lunch?" Rikku asked breaking hold of the baby to grasp the bottle. Gohan made a burbling noise and she smiled pulling the bottle away just out of his reach. to talk with Chichi a moment. "Thank Chichi; hey, did Ox King say when he was coming by?"

"No, he just said he'd be over sometime today. I wish he would be more specific so I know how much I need to cook. You really should start taking on part of that responsibility."

"You know I'm not nearly as good a cook as you and besides Gohan likes your food best." As if on cue she felt the bottle get snatched out of her hand. Rikku blinked and looked over in Gohan's direction. Her eyes widened when she found the boy a good few feet farther away than he was before. "Did… did he just?"

"I think he did," Chichi laughed. "I guess he does like my food best."

For one so small ,you seem so strong

My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm

This bond between us can't be broken

I will be here, don't you cry,

Rikku meditated, her body relaxed against the nice spring breeze of the mountain. She listened to the sounds of nature, the whispers of the water, the rustle of the plants and animals, and the call of her own heart. She'd put off training for far too long, she needed to let it out.

Jumping high she powered up her eyes going harsh and cool she punched fist after fist into an invisible opponent, Piccolo perhaps, maybe even someone new, someone stronger. The thrill of a new challenge pushed her to fight harder. She grunted and sweated the familiar tug of her muscles left her smiling.

Below Gohan and Chichi watched from a distance. Gohan stared owlishly as his mother did something he'd never seen before. Watching her, he felt his body tingle with excitement, he clapped his hands and danced a little laughing and giggling. As Chichi watched, she frowned, remembering the fighting at the tournament, and how it had almost cost Rikku her life.

"Come on Gohan, we're going inside." She took the little boy's hand and nearly had to drag him back to the house. He wailed and reached out for Rikku crying. As he did light burst from his hand and shot up to the sky. Rikku barely sensed it and dodged gasping.

"Whoa what the-" She looked down long enough to see Chichi pull Gohan into the house. Her eyes widened at the thought of her little boy releasing that much energy her way. "Gohan."

Why can't they understand the way we feel?

They just can't trust, what they can't explain.

I know we're different, but deep inside us,

We're not that different at all.

Little more than four years old, and already Gohan was ahead of the other kids when it came to his education. He did fractions, read bits and pieces of English, Japanese, and French, (all the main places for a prime college education, and had found a fondness of science of the human body.

"At this rate he could be a doctor! Could you imagine it Rikku, our little Gohan saving lives in the art of human medicine."

"I saved lives too Chichi, I don't see why he can't train and do his homework."

"Are you nuts? Do you realize the kind of dangers you put yourself in Rikku?"

She did, but she also saw Gohan's eyes go wide and sad whenever she left to go train for a few hours leaving him to do his homework. Chichi was better at helping him when he was stuck, all those letters and numbers gave her a headache. "If it's what he wants…"

"It's not good for him, Rikku. You may have grown up that way, but it doesn't mean Gohan will. He has a chance to be something better, something more important!" Chichi crossed her arms. "If you can't understand that, then you're not fit to be a mother."

That line always stung, but she knew it was right. She had always been different growing up. It seemed the more she traveled the world, and met new people, the more complicated their lives seem to be. However, she also knew that each person had an important role in life, and at the rate Gohan was studying he could really be of use to someone, someday. "I understand."

When destiny calls you, you must be strong

I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on

They'll see in time, I know, we'll show them together.

Rikku tucked Gohan in and kissed his forehead. The boy clutched his heirloom, the four stall ball, and looked up at Rikku sleepily. "Mommy, can I ask you something?"

"Sure sweetie," She knelt beside his bed so they were close to eyelevel. "What is it?"

"How come you like martial arts, and fighting?" Gohan said, his voice meek and shy, nothing like her as a kid. He was so cute!

"For many reason, why do you ask?" she saw the tears first and sat on the bed cuddling him. "What's wrong Gohan?"

"Do you like fighting more than me?"

"Absolutely not," She lifted Gohan up and out of bed kissing his cheek and cuddling him close. "Why would you even get an idea in your head?"

"Well, you leave every day for hours, and Chichi says…"

"I don't care what Chichi says. She doesn't understand." Rikku paused and touched his nose, "but maybe you will. Did Chichi ever tell you about Piccolo?"

"You mean the big green guy who wants to take over the planet?"

Rikku had to laugh at her description and nodded. "I guess Chichi would see him that way. Piccolo is the strongest opponent I've ever faced in my life, and he's out there now training hard to defeat me. I'm training to make sure he doesn't win." She paused and bounced Gohan on his knee. "I'll tell you a secret though, I don't think Piccolo really wants to take over the world."

"You don't? How come?"

"Well, from what Kami told me Piccolo is the incarnation of evil from inside himself Kami saw the cruelty our world can sometime possess and it caused him to awaken the evil in his heart." She sits him back in bed. "What Kami doesn't know is that a heart can change, if his heart that was once pure can be changed dark, it could also be changed for the better."

Her eyes go soft. "I think Piccolo can change, because I think he just wants a reason, something worth living for. He was born to this world already full of evil thoughts, and feelings, but he doesn't understand that the world can be filled of good, joy, laughter, and all those other things that makes life incredible."

"I think I get it, so you're training to help Piccolo find the good?"

"Partially yes, but my main reason, my big reason, is you."

"Me, you fight for me?" Gohan's eyes went big.

"Yes," she kisses his forehead. "Piccolo may be the strongest fighter I've encountered so far, but there may be more powerful beings, with far more evil intentions. I fight to protect you from them. Which is why I want you to keep studying, and work hard like me, make a difference in the world, and know that no matter what you choose to do in life, I'm proud of you Gohan."

"I love you, mom." He hugged Rikku his face burying comfortably in her chest. "I'll keep working hard, I promise."

"That's a good boy, and always remember, even if I'm not here while you're studying, I'm with you." She points at his heart, "right here, as you are with me." Then she pointed to her own.

You'll be in my heart,

Believe me; you'll be in my heart,

From this day on

Now and forever more.

Rikku shut off the light and lingered in the doorway. The boy had fallen fast asleep his dreams taking him wherever he wanted. A smile crept on her lips and she gently closed the door. "Goodnight, my son, you're always in my heart."

You'll be in my heart, no matter what they say

You'll be in my heart, always.

Just look over your shoulder, I'll be there, always.