"We're almost there," Bulma said consulting her Dragonball locator. "It's the last stretch, guys," she smiled encouragingly; "The others are all in a cluster together, only a few miles away." Chi-Chi sighed in relief. They'd been traveling for days, trying to get closer to the other Dragonballs. She was glad they had almost gathered all of them.
Her companions also took heart at Bulma's reassurance. They picked up their pace, walking and talking happily amongst themselves. Chi-Chi fell into step beside Tien and Krillin. They both smiled at her, cheered by the fact that their mission was almost complete.
"Did you ever think we'd find all the Dragonballs this quickly?" Krillin asked her. He was clearly excited. Chi-Chi shook her head.
"I was sure it would take longer," she admitted. "Especially with some of the stories my father and Gohan have told me. It took them ages."
"But they didn't have Bulma with them," Tien interjected. "We're lucky to have that locator." Chi-Chi nodded. If Bulma hadn't come along, it would have taken them much longer.
"What I want to know is why there are so many Dragonballs in one place," Krillin said. His voice took on a tone of skepticism. "Don't the Dragonballs scatter in different places once you make a wish?"
"Yeah," Tien nodded.
"Then am I the only one that has a little red warning flag popping up in their head or what?" he asked. "Seriously, someone powerful must have gathered all these Dragonballs together. What are we going to do? Just walk up and demand them?"
"You must not have seen some of the Saiyans, Krillin," Chi-Chi laughed slightly. "I don't think getting a few Dragonballs will be a problem for them."
"That's true," Krillin agreed. "But just between you and me, I'm not sure I trust them. Not all of them, anyway." Chi-Chi nodded. She knew exactly how Krillin felt. Though the Saiyans were in need of the Earthlings' help, it seemed as though the Saiyans were the ones demanding to be in charge. Some of them were kind, but others were rough and their manners were horrible. Then again, none of them were used to Earth's customs, Chi-Chi reasoned. That was something she first noticed when they started their journey together. Saiyans had awful eating habits. Anything they could kill, they would eat. . From time to time, Chi-Chi wondered if survival on Planet Vegeta meant killing and eating everything before someone else came along and took it. Frankly, it disgusted Chi-Chi, and she did her best to see that the Saiyans were properly fed. There were other things the Saiyans did that Chi-Chi didn't understand. She'd heard mentions of a class system, but never understood it. She'd have to ask about it later.
"We're here," Bulma said, stopping suddenly. The rest of the company barely had time to stop without running into each other. Bulma looked around, her face filled with dismay.
"There's nothing here," Tien stated. "Are you sure the locator is working?" he asked. This only made Bulma angry.
"Of course it's working, you idiot. This thing never malfunctions on my watch," Bulma yelled. Still, she recalibrated the locator just to be sure.
"Then where are the Dragonballs?" Krillin asked timidly.
"I don't know, okay?" Bulma growled. She was about to continue her rebuttal, but was silenced by Sona's hand. Attentions were turned to Bardock and Sona, both of whom were concentrating. They were using their scouters, scanning the area for any sort of reading. Just as their scouters began to beep, Chi-Chi felt an immense power nearing them. She looked over at Tien and Krillin.
"We feel it too," Tien whispered, reading the expression on her face. The stillness of the group was broken.
"Looks like we've got company," Bardock said, removing his hand from his scouter. "It shouldn't be too much of a challenge. The Earthlings won't want to get in the way of this one, though," he looked towards Chi-Chi and her companions. Without being told twice, Krillin, Tien, and Bulma backed away from the eager group of Saiyans. Chi-Chi was a little more reluctant to back off. She hated sitting on the sidelines and was more than willing to do something.
In a flash, the sand was blowing wildly in every direction. A tall, proud, muscular figure landed in the midst of the swirling sand. He studied the people before him, but paid hardly any attention to any of them. He kept his dark eyes fixed on Chi-Chi. She stared back, scarcely believing what she was seeing. When her father and Gohan were younger, they had fought a monster of a similar description. They had told Chi-Chi stories of the battle and how they barely won. As she stared upon the figure, her heart beat faster and faster. She had been told from a young age that this monster was defeated. So how was he standing before her now?
"The Ox King's daughter," he said, laughing darkly. "We meet at last." He walked past the Saiyans to stand directly in front of Chi-Chi, who was too afraid to move. "I've been waiting for you. Your father destroyed mine, and my sole purpose in living is to defeat you."
"How are you-" Chi-Chi choked, barely managing to get the words out.
"I was born shortly before my father died. I guess you could say I am him, since he poured so much of himself into me. He assured me that once I rid the Earth of its protector, I couldn't be stopped in fulfilling his dream of commanding the planet," the figure folded his arms, smiling.
"You can't have this planet," Chi-Chi snarled, willing her limbs to move into a defensive position. Try as she might, she was still paralyzed with shock. She wished the Saiyans would attack while his back was turned, but she knew they were too proud to do that.
"You've already brought the remaining Dragonballs that I need," he said motioning towards a pack in Bulma's arms. "Once I defeat you, nothing stands in my way. I shall finally have the title of King. King Piccolo," he threw back his head and laughed.
Chi-Chi growled and mustered up all of her concentration. If her father could beat him, then so could she. She didn't need the Saiyans' help. This matter didn't involve them, anyway. While Piccolo was laughing, she charged forward planning to deliver a sound kick to his stomach. Piccolo was paying more attention to her than she had originally thought and she realized this a moment too late. Piccolo's arm snapped forward and caught her leg mid-kick. He lifted her up off the ground, transferring his grip from her ankle to her neck. He smiled ferociously as he stopped Chi-Chi's air supply. Her lungs were burning, and her vision was fading. He threw her aside. She was gasping for breath, and felt the sweet relief of the cool air filling her lungs. Her relief didn't last long, as moments later she crashed to the ground, her body burning.