Regardless of how much she would have loved to get right to the search, Chi-Chi had to make a stop as the house first. She couldn't hope to face Piccolo without armor, and forget about even finding them without a snack for the road.
After loading a capsule with food and other supplies - not to mention some reading material for Gohan, when she finally found him - Chi-Chi started rifling through closets for her old helmet. It had properties that helped her focus ki into a physical blast, and had been a great tool for self-defense as a child, but she hadn't worn it in years. She cursed herself for not giving it to Gohan, just in case, but she figured it was too big for him anyway. Plus it had a giant detachable blade on top, and she'd be worried about him cutting himself.
Eventually she found it stowed away in a box full of Gohan's baby-clothes and other keepsakes. Chi-Chi tried it on, but it wouldn't fit over her skull.
"Stupid Demon Blacksmiths," cursed Chi-Chi, kicking it across the room. "They can make a magic laser helmet, but they can only make it to fit a little girl? Useless…" She settled for a pair of swords her father had given to Goku as wedding present, and made her way back to the car.
The real problem now was where to begin looking. Chi-Chi leaned back in the driver's seat with her feet up on the dashboard, considering. She couldn't say she really knew that much about Piccolo, besides that he was evil and connected to Kami, so how could she fathom where he'd hide her son?
It occurred to her that it was impossible to make a guess as to where to begin. The world was too big, Piccolo was too quick, and Chi-Chi was all on her own. But if she couldn't guess, than she'd have to ask someone who could.
With fresh resolve, Chi-Chi started off towards Korin Tower.
"Well, well, well, it seems we've got some visitors," Korin hummed absently as Krillin hauled himself through the entrance and collapsed on the floor, followed by Yamcha, and Tien with Chiaotzu on his back. Yajirobe grunted his acknowledgement from his seat beside Korin.
"About time you guys showed up," said Yajirobe. "I've been waiting for like, three days. What, did you try to get up Korin Tower on a unicycle or somethin'?"
Tien gave a short laugh, which Chiaotzu joined in on. "That sounds like excellent training, but no. Chiaotzu and I had a few… setbacks… on the way here."
Yamcha and Krillin laughed, and sang in unison, " Tien's got a girlfriend."
"She's a piece of work, too," Krillin added with a snicker.
Tien turned bright red and grumbled at them to stop, and thankfully Korin chimed in. "She couldn't be as much work as that other lady that was up here," he said.
Tien, Yamcha, Krillin, and Chiaotzu all sobered up at that, and Yajirobe shuddered at the memory.
"Geez, the first girl to visit Korin Tower in forever and all she does is stomp your tail and knee me in the kidney. I don't know how Goku puts up with her, honestly," Yajirobe said.
Suddenly, Krillin was on his feet. "Wait, you mean Chi-Chi's here?" he demanded.
"No way, since when did she have it in her to climb Korin Tower?" asked Yamcha.
Chiaotzu hummed as he considered. "Well, she was one of the quarter-finalists at the World Martial Arts Tournament, so she must be strong, right?"
Yamcha blushed, having forgotten about that entirely. "Well, I - I mean, it's still difficult!"
"It it, though? I mean, every one of us just did exactly that in under a day," said Tien, all three eyes squinting a Yamcha. "Yajirobe does it all the time. I think the standards for what constitutes 'difficult' have shifted a bit."
"Hey, watch it, tri-clops. I'll eat you alive."
Yamcha huffed. "Whatever. Anyway, it's no place for a girl, is my point. What'd you do with her, Korin?" he asked, trying to move the focus of the conversation away from himself.
Korin didn't answer immediately, but shared a prolonged look with Yajirobe.
"Um. Sure is a lot of not answering my question going on," commented Yamcha.
Chiaotzu gasped. "Yajirobe, you ate Chi-Chi! Master Korin, how could you let him?"
Yajirobe was on his feet in a moment. "You have no proof, tiny man!"
Before accusations could escalate any further, Korin was shaking his head. "No, no, no, that's not it, Chiaotzu. Nothing happened to Chi-Chi. She's fine. I think," he said.
"What happened to her? Where is she?" asked Tien. "Did she go home, or…?"
Korin sighed. "She went upstairs to see Kami, same as you guys," he explained. At the group's shocked expressions, he went on. "I put her through a few tests first, of course. But like Yajirobe said, she stomped my tail and took my bell, and she was on her way to Kami's before you could say 'senzu'. She was determined to talk to him, and neither I nor the threat of death could stop her. Certainly Yajirobe couldn't." Korin finished with a pointed look at his friend.
"Aren't you supposed to be the master, here?" snapped Yajirobe. "What was I supposed to do, hit a girl? Yeah right. Unlike you, Korin, I actually have some honor."
"Why the hell do I even keep you around?" Korin asked.
Krillin cleared his throat loudly, not at all interested in the petty quarrel unraveling before him. "Speaking of Kami, we need to get up to the Lookout," he said. In a more serious tone, he went on, "I'm sure you've heard of what's happened on Earth, Master Korin. With Goku, and his - his brother, Raditz."
Korin nodded sagely. "The Saiyans. Chi-Chi told me, yes, and they're quickly approaching Earth," Korin said. "But you understand I can't just send you up to the Lookout all willy-nilly, right? If you don't prove yourself beforehand, and you die on the way up, I'll have that on my conscience."
Tien stood his ground, his stance radiating determination. "Whatever test you have, Master Korin, we'll pass it," he said.
"Yeah! If Chi-Chi can do it, so can we," Yamcha added with a confident smirk.
Krillin and Chiaotzu punched the air, whooping in unison.
Korin smirked, his eyes opening just enough to glint mischievously in the afternoon sun. "Good. Yajirobe, would you please go fetch some bells for me?"
Chi-Chi hoisted herself onto the Lookout and immediately collapsed, her muscles sore from her journey not only up Korin Tower, but from gripping the power pole for hours as it extended up to her destination. Her chest rose and fell quickly as she struggled for breath - the air was so thin - and she could only believe Goku had endured three years of training on the Lookout specifically because he was Goku instead of anyone else.
"My, what have we here?" marveled an unfamiliar voice.
Chi-Chi sat up quickly, and struggled to her feet.
It wasn't Kami, but a short and portly man in a turban, with skin blacker than any night sky and eyes that seemed to look right into Chi-Chi's soul. She suppressed a shudder, and realized that it must be Mr. Popo. Goku had told her about him, the caretaker of the Lookout, but she'd always imagined Mr. Popo was a human. Not - well - whatever Mr. Popo was.
"You're Popo, right?" Chi-Chi asked. "Where's Kami? I need to talk to him."
"Of course," Mr. Popo said, setting his watering can down on the tile beside the flowerbed. He took a few paces towards Chi-Chi, and she would have taken another step back - but that would have her tumbling off of the Lookout, surely to her death. He came to a stop a few paces from her. "However… I cannot let you do that unless you can prove Master Korin deemed you worthy of-"
A bell smacked Mr. Popo in the face and bounced across the tile with a series of too-cheerful jingles.
"There, that should be sufficient. Where's Kami?" demanded Chi-Chi. "I'm kind of in a hurry here."
Mr. Popo's gaze shifted between the bell on the floor and Chi-Chi. "Very well, though I would advise you to check your attitude before meeting Kami. He's a very important-"
"I know, I've met him before, he's very important and very green. Can I please talk to him?" Chi-Chi said, more exasperated than furious. Two days climbing Korin Tower, hours spent chasing Korin and Yajirobe around for a damn bell, an eternity clinging to the power pole for dear life - she just wanted to find her son.
Mr. Popo humphed and started towards the building on the opposite side of the Lookout, and Chi-Chi followed.
"Kami, someone is here to see you," Mr. Popo called as they approached.
"Ah, yes - the Z Warriors, was it? I've been expecting- oh, hello," Kami said, recoiling a bit as he emerged from the shadows and saw Chi-Chi. She scowled.
All-knowing guardian, my ass. Oh, I hope he can help me find Gohan…
"Hi, I'm Chi-Chi. Daughter of the Ox King? You trained my husband for three years?" Chi-Chi said. "We met at the World Martial Arts Tournament about five years ago. I need your help."
Kami nodded sagely, one hand behind his back and the other gripping his staff. "Yes, I remember you. You were a spirited fighter - and you must still be, if your presence here is any indication," he said. Kami frowned, studying Chi-Chi. "And, if you don't mind my asking, for what purpose did you come to see me? If you'd like to know how Goku is doing in Otherworld, he's travelling along Snake Way to train with King Kai. By the time the Saiyans arrive, he should be strong enough that…"
The expression on Chi-Chi's face finally seemed to sink in, and Kami trailed off.
"Your son," he said.
Chi-Chi nodded. "I was told that Piccolo has him, and frankly, I want him back. I figured if anyone knew where to find them, it would be you," she said. Her resolve cracked and she bit back a sob - of terror for her son's life, or in relief that she had found someone who could help her. It was hard to tell. She reached out and took Kami's hand in earnest, gripping so hard that his bones popped and Mr. Popo tried to reach in and pry her off of him.
"Mr. Popo, please," Kami said, using his free hand to urge the caretaker away. He then placed it on Chi-Chi's shoulder.
"Kami?" Chi-Chi asked with a sniff.
Kami bowed his head. "I'm so sorry, Chi-Chi, but I'm afraid I cannot tell you where Piccolo has taken your son."
"Oh, Kami…" sighed Mr. Popo from somewhere behind Chi-Chi.
Chi-Chi grit her teeth and tightened her hold on Kami's hand, twisting just slightly. Kami seethed and cringed at the pain.
Her next words came out with the grace of bricks being forced through a mail slot, and barely audible over the sound of countless tiny bones snapping in Kami's hand.
"And - just - why - is - that?"
Piccolo's brow quirked as his right hand tingled as though numb. His expression turned to a scowl as Kami tried to communicate with him telepathically.
This was a periodic thing Kami had been doing since the day Piccolo had been born. He was always prying and prodding, trying to figure out where he was and what he was up to. Piccolo hadn't indulged him yet, his mind too well fortified for the big green bastard to force his way in, but it was incredibly annoying.
Still, the tingling was new.
Piccolo cast a glance down at the plateau where Gohan was trapped and snivelling. It didn't please him to think so, but Piccolo had a feeling that the kid wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The tingling got worse and spread up Piccolo's wrist sharply, accompanied by Kami's desperate attempt to get into his head.
It was more interesting than watching Gohan cry himself to sleep, that was for sure.
Piccolo sighed, and gave his other half a bit of space in his head. Just an inch. What is it, Kami?
It took Kami a moment to realize that Piccolo had well and truly let him in, and his response was immediate, and panicked: PICCOLO, HELP!
"I - WILL - BREAK - YOUR - BONES - OLD - MAN!" Chi-Chi cried, twisting Kami to the elbow with such force and ferocity that he fell on one knee. "I don't care if you have to take the damn bus to Piccolo - find him and tell me where he is so I can make him tell me what he's done to my baby boy!"
Mr. Popo grabbed Chi-Chi by the waist and tried to pull her away from Kami, to no avail. She kicked out behind herself and landed a heel squarely in Mr. Popo's stomach, knocking the wind out of him and landing him flat on his rump.
Kami, meanwhile, was doing everything in his power to convince Chi-Chi to let go of him. "Piccolo and I are connected telepathically but - ow - but he learned early on that he can shut me out if he - eeEE - if he focuses," Kami stammered, his one free arm trying fruitlessly to break Chi-Chi's iron grip. "I don't - I don't know where he is - stop twisting!"
"Get into his head, I don't care how," snarled Chi-Chi. "Then you're going to tell me exactly where he-"
Kami's eyes widened suddenly and he sputtered, "I'm in - he let me in!"
Chi-Chi released him and sent the Guardian of the Earth sprawling with a kick. She clapped her hands, suddenly as perky as a schoolgirl, and jumped in place. "Oh, wonderful!" she said. "Well, where is he? Where's my Gohan?"
"One moment," murmured Kami, nursing his broken hand and wrist.
Took you long enough, he thought.
You better start explaining before I get bored of this, you old shoe,Piccolo said dryly from thousands of miles away.
I won't keep you long, Piccolo - I'm content that your purpose with the boy is not immediately malicious, Kami replied. He took a moment to heal the damage Chi-Chi had done, then flexed his reconstructed fingers experimentally. However, it would seem little Gohan's mother isn't.
Is that so?
Indeed. She's here now, on the Lookout, and is prepared to do anything and fight anyone to get answers. I don't know what to tell her. If she gets her son back, she would never permit him to train…
And we'll need his help to fight the Saiyans. Dammit.
Indeed.
Well, what are you waiting for? Tell her she can't have her kid back until after we deal with the Saiyans. You're the Guardian of Earth, she should listen to you.
Kami eyed Chi-Chi apprehensively, his old bones still aching even after he'd regenerated them. She watched him like a predator watches prey, awaiting news of her boy's whereabouts with bated breath.
I don't think that will suffice.
Then just kick her off the Lookout and be done with it!
But she - please, Piccolo. Help me out here.
There was silence on Piccolo's end for a while, and for a moment Kami feared he'd been shut out again, left to deal with Chi-Chi all on his own. Thankfully, Piccolo replied before Kami could start to panic again.
Alright, how's this: you send her over to me and I'll deal with her. Seeing as how you're so incompetent and all.
Kami was confused. You'll talk to her? Why? What are you planning, Piccolo?
Not a damn thing, I'm just far more persuasive than you.
Still apprehensive, Kami agreed. But you mustn't let her end Gohan's training. We need as many allies as we can get.
Kami frowned and nodded as Piccolo relayed his location to him, and - steeling his nerves - he turned once more to face Chi-Chi.
"Piccolo is with Gohan in the wastelands far, far northeast of the Oval Sea," said Kami. He rose to his full height and met Chi-Chi's eyes. "He wishes to train Gohan to better combat the imminent Saiyan menace. I believe your son is in good hands, but if you truly wish to confront Piccolo… Well, now you know where to go."
Chi-Chi shrieked and clapped her hands, and Kami found himself being pulled into a rib-crushing hug. "You're the best, Kami! Goku was right, you really the wisest, kindest, best Guardian of the Earth anyone could ask for," Chi-Chi said. She released Kami abruptly and he stumbled, only keeping his balance thanks to the support provided by his staff.
Just as quick, Chi-Chi was running for the edge of the Lookout. In one swift motion, she drew a capsule from inside her shirt and tossed it on the ground, releasing the car stored inside. She hopped in and fired up the engines, and the pressure generated beneath the vehicle flattened the flowers in the bed beneath it.
"My azaleas!" gasped Mr. Popo.
"Wait, Chi-Chi!" cried Kami. "I need you to relay a message to your friends about reviving Goku - they have to wait until a year has passed so that he has time to train with King-"
"Don't you have a phone? Tell 'em yourself, I have more important things to do," Chi-Chi said, before slamming on the accelerator and sending her car flying off of the Lookout.
Kami and Mr. Popo shared a look, unsure of what to make of Chi-Chi.
"Hey, why didn't you help me while she was twisting my arm off?" asked Kami after she had been gone for a good few minutes.
He was certain he saw Mr. Popo blush.