Saying Goodbye

DISCLAIMER: Akira Toriyama owns DBZ, not me. Don't sue, thanks.

A/N: Hi, this is my first fanfic and I've decided to make it about my favorite couple, Goku and Chi-Chi. This story won't follow GT's plotline but will continue from the end of the Buu Saga.

The concept of the story is Goku's guilt over constantly, though accidentally, hurting Chi-Chi and his family. Our dear hero gets it into his head that his family would be better off if he left them.

First off I'd like to give credit to Lady Thundera and her story "A Broken Promise" where I got the idea of Goku leaving from Chi-Chi leaving, but that's where the similarity will end! So keep all plagiarizing accusations at bay.

Enjoy and please review!

Chapter 1: Late Night Contemplations

When he refused to be wished back after the cell games, Goku honestly felt he was doing the right thing. He didn't want to leave his friends; he didn't want to leave his son without a father, his wife without her husband.

But the Earth's enemies, his enemies, were relentless. Dr. Gero had it out for him ever since he defeated his Red Ribbon Army. The Saiyans had come because he had "failed" to do what he had been sent to Earth for. To destroy the planet. Goku shook his head. They were like dark clouds following him around, anywhere he went.

He had married Chi-Chi, started a family then the Saiyans came. Then Frieza. Then the Androids. Then Cell. It never stopped. So he had stayed in the Other World. Maybe if he weren't around, then the Earth could be in peace. Gohan could study, like his mother always wanted him too. He could have a life that didn't involve fearing the next threat. And then Chi-Chi wouldn't be hurt anymore watching him fly off to face the next enemy.

And then he got the opportunity to come back, just for a day, but he would take what he could get. Goku could see everyone again but for those few moments that he shared with them he paid for dearly.

Majiin Buu came and destroyed and even though everyone had tried to defeat him, both of his sons in fact, it was up to Goku again to save the planet. He didn't hold any grudges, it was his responsibility. But because of him, his family had to be hurt.

Because of his power, he would always be a target and subsequently his family would pay as well.

Goku looked off onto the sunset. It was getting late and he knew Chi-Chi would have dinner ready soon. She would probably holler for Goten and Goku to come inside. He smiled. As far off as he was, he could hear Chi-Chi from anywhere. He didn't mind her yelling or her swinging the frying pan. In fact, it was all he could do to keep from laughing and hugging her. He loved it when she got angry, her face lit up and everything. He didn't know what he'd do without her.

But then maybe it was precisely that. Maybe she'd be better off, maybe all of them would be better off. The fact that he insisted on having a family and being the world protector was too much. Maybe he couldn't have both. Chi-Chi deserved better than to have a husband always on call for the next battle. Maybe if he were to...

No, Goku thought, forget that. Goku tossed the idea out of his head and headed home. He'd surprise Chi-Chi by being home early. He'd get a first taste of dinner, his stomach grumbled.

"Gosh! I'm hungrier than I thought. I guess all that depressed thought can really give you a strong appetite!"

---

"You sure ate a lot tonight! More than normal, I had to give you Gohan's portion and make more!" Chi-Chi said while loosening her hair. "Yeah well," Goku laughed and raised his arm behind his head "Training can do that to you." Chi-Chi laughed too and wrapped her arms around him. "I'm so glad your here now for good. You have no idea how much I missed you."

Goku smiled and held her closer "Well maybe it was kind of like how I missed you."

"I understand why you did it now, staying in the Other World after cell, you know." Goku lifted her chin to look her in the eyes "You do?"

"Yeah," she sighed "Your always more concerned for the planet's sake than your own happiness. Only you would have sacrificed yourself to ensure the planet's safety. Even if it meant that you wouldn't see your friends and family anymore."

Goku said nothing, he had a feeling she wanted to get something out.

"It hurt me, sure I pretended to everyone that I was fine, I understood and tried to be strong for Gohan and Goten's sake. I trained Goten because I knew you would have wanted him to be strong."

Chi-Chi turned towards the window. "But always gnawing inside was that constant question. Why? Why us, why you? Why is our family always being torn apart? I know we're at peace right now, I hope it always stays this way. But I know it doesn't and then you'll have to go and fight...and maybe...maybe" her voice was breaking and Goku began to approach her. "Maybe I'll lose you again!" Chi-Chi began to cry and Goku just held her tightly.

"I'm sorry Chi-Chi. I'm so sorry, sweetheart." Goku whispered to her as the sobs racked her body. Guilt was burning through his mind. It was his fault, all his fault.

Time passed and Chi-Chi tried to pull away but Goku just held her even more firmly. "Are you all right?" He asked in that gentle voice he always reserved for her. "Yes...I'm sorry Goku; I just had to get that out. I just love you so much. But it's not your fault; I'll blame all those bad guys instead." She smiled "Let's go to bed."

Once inside the covers, Goku kissed Chi-Chi lovingly and stroked her hair. She cuddled close to him and fell asleep. But Goku remained awake her words haunting him.

'Why? Why us, why you? Why is our family always being torn apart?'

He had to stop hurting her. It was too much for anyone to have to bear and he promised himself a long time ago that he'd try to spare her all the pain he could.

It would hurt her at first but then she wouldn't have to deal with her on again off again husband. He tightened his hold, kissed her lightly, and smelled her hair, trying to savor everything he could.

He knew what he had to do.

To be continued...

Please review and the following chapters will be longer. Updated weekly (if all goes well).