Niulang brushed aside the reeds, cursing irritably as he stepped deeper into the frigid pond water. "Sagojo! I know you are there, come out already!"

He waited for a moment but when nothing stirred, he snapped again. "Sagojo!"

"I'm here," grumbled the kappa rising out from the waters. It tilted its head, draining its ears. "What do you want?"

Niulang huffed at the Kappa's attitude. The vile creature acted as if he was never rewarded for his efforts. "I need you to bring me a girl."

"What girl?" The kappa asked, examining its webbed fingers.

"This one."

Niulang raised his crystal ball to show a pretty dark haired female sitting across from a man with unusual hair sticking up in several places. The kappa perked up upon seeing his target. Niulang was not surprised, the girl had enough looks to attract filthy creatures such as Sagojo.

"I need her alive and in reasonable condition."

"Reasonable being…"

"No missing flesh but if you wish to have your fun you may."

"Excellent," hissed Sagojo.

Niulang rolled his eyes but continued. "They have gone to Zhuque. I trust a week is time enough to get the girl and return here?"

"More than enough."

"Good."

Business concluded, Niulang turned and left, intent on finalizing his plans. Once the girl was his, he would need to create some sort of energy exchange between her and Zhinu that would allow them to switch places undetected.

Then his Zhinu's freedom would be secure.

He examined the couple in the crystal ball and smiled. It was time for someone else to suffer. He and Zhinu had done so long enough.

o0o

Bai shivered as she studied the couple sitting at the little outdoor cafe, an uneasy sensation sweeping over her as she watched them. She knew she was probably imagining it but she could not help but feel as if Niulang was closing in.

The young couple needed to be warned but would they believe her once she told them? How would she even go about introducing herself?

"Hello, my name is Bai. I am the former companion of the man who drugged and tried to violate you and of another who wishes to kidnap you as well."

Preposterous!

Who would trust her?

Still, she owed it to them, whether they chose to believe her or not. Though a small part of her wondered if it would even be necessary. She knew the couple intended to visit Zhuque, they would not have traveled thus far if they did not, but no one had ever returned from a visit to the god.

And yet…there was something about the pair that seemed different…or at least she wanted to believe that was so.

It was foolish, she knew, but if they could survive, then maybe she could dream of a world where someday she might be united with Xu Xian. Maybe she might even dare to find him in the other world, if King Yemma would grant her a pass.

"You think he'd grant a pass to a demon?"

Bai flinched and looked over to where Hushen stood in her humanoid form, watching the couple in the cafe. The ninetails must be here to make sure she did not harm them.

"My intentions are pure," Bai told her. "I swear it." She bowed her head as low as she dared without drawing a scene.

But if the fox had any doubt, she did not show it. Instead she pulled out a long pipe and lit it, taking a long drag.

"You can relax," Hushen told her, blowing out several smoke rings. "If I had any doubts, you'd be dead already."

Bai swallowed nervously but nodded that she understood.

Hushen took another pull of her pipe. "King Yemma might do the deed himself at your nerve. Only demons who have earned their way gain passes."

"He gave one to my cousin…" Bai argued, albeit halfheartedly.

It was all too well known that Hebi had entranced him. How else could she have gotten raised to the status of a god and renamed "Princess Snake"? It was embarrassing being related to her but if this connection could aide her in her quest to see Xu Xian again…

"Help them, like you planned, and I'll vouch for you."

Bai looked at her in shock. "But you have only just earned your ninth tail! Why would you dare do so for someone so unworthy?"

"My record speaks for itself," Hushen smiled, taking another hit. "Besides, I can't interfere too much, and it's doubtful they'll find anyone else with the knowledge they need to continue."

So a trade. Bai smiled, much more at ease. A trade was fine by her. She planned to help regardless.

"And Niulang?"

Hushen growled, baring her fangs.

"Yue Lao believes this is just another part of their journey. I only interfered with your companion because his vulgar actions sparked my ire but I've been warned against doing more. They'll have to deal with him on their own."

"I see." Bai didn't know how to feel at this news. Yue Lao had always been a difficult one to understand. "I will do my best to assist."

Hushen nodded her thanks and then walked off, leaving Bai to gather her courage. It was not an easy task for one such as her but for the first time in a long while she felt hope.

'Xu Xian, I promise you this time I shall not fail!'

o0o

Chi-Chi stirred her tea, her chin propped on her fist, feeling entirely despondent. "Oh Goku…what are we going to do?"

Goku scratched the back of his neck, not really sure how to answer. Chi-Chi's mood had been in the slumps ever since their earlier attempt to cross the blazing fire had failed.

"We could try searchin' for more clues?" he suggested, scooching over to rub her back in what he hoped was a comforting manner. Nevermind that that was the first thing they'd done—albeit with zero success—but they'd made it this far from talking to others, there was no reason to believe they wouldn't stumble upon something or other with just a little more time. At least not after just a single day!

But Chi-Chi couldn't be so easily convinced.

"Everyone we ask either doesn't know what we're talking about or thinks it's a fairytale!" She cried, burying her face in her hands. "This is all my fault! I shoulda never taken off on this journey before havin' everything planned first. At the very least I shoulda gone and fetched my mother's journals!"

"Aw don't be like that, Chi-Chi. It'll work out."

He hated seeing her miserably like this. Surely someone had to have the answer.

Goku perked up, suddenly getting an idea. "Hey I know, how 'bout I go find Fortune Teller Baba? She knows all kinds of things, I bet she knows this too."

Chi-Chi peeked out from behind her hands. "But wouldn't that be cheating?"

"Why's that?"

"Because…" Because having someone tell you the answer when you were supposed to find it yourself felt like cheating…but technically wouldn't that be the same as if they found some random person who could tell them the same?

Chi-Chi blinked, suddenly realizing that maybe it wasn't so bad after all. She looked at Goku. "It's not?"

Goku grinned, noting the hopeful tone in her voice. "Wasn't cheatin' when we met that fortune teller up north."

"That's right!" Chi-Chi gasped. "I forgot about him! Oh Goku, you're so smart!"

She threw herself into his arms and would have knocked their table over if Goku hadn't stuck out a leg to keep it up right but he didn't mind. He was just happy seeing Chi-Chi smile again.

That is, until he caught a hint of a scent that would have had his tail shoot up straight if he still had one.

Goku's gaze cut to the intruder as he stood and pushed Chi-Chi behind him.

"Who are you and what do ya want?"

Chi-Chi, peeked curiously over his shoulder to see what could have set him on edge. The way he was acting she expected some hoodlum or an ex soldier of the Red Ribbon Army. It was surprising then, to see only a tall but timid looking woman with sharp, narrowed eyes.

She didn't understand.

"Goku?"

"Her scent," Goku spat. "I recognize it." He hadn't noticed it at the time but just a hint of it now reminded him of that horrible night. "She was there at that place that bastard took you."

Chi-Chi stiffened.

Hou Yi? Was he here?! She scanned their surroundings, expecting to see his smug face, but only spied tourists milling about. Chi-Chi let out a sigh of relief and willed herself to calm down the best she could, hating that she let him get to her even that much, but she couldn't relax completely just yet. There was still the woman to consider.

"Is that true?" She demanded. "Do you work for him?"

"Not at all!" The woman swore. "Please, you must believe me!" She threw herself to the ground in a lie bow, startling them both and the people around them. "It is true I was there but I did not know! I thought he had brought you back to help you heal!"

Goku clenched his fists, unwilling to believe her. He had tried to hurt Chi-Chi. This woman was probably trying to hurt Chi-Chi too.

Chi-Chi touched his shoulder gently and waited until he met her eye before offering what she hoped was a reassuring smile. Once she felt him relax just a fraction, she turned her gaze back on the woman.

"Why are you here now?"

"I…I wanted t-to make amends!" the woman stammered, her forehead still touching the ground. "B-By offering my assistance."

"We don't need it." Goku growled, making her flinch.

Chi-Chi gave Goku's arm a warning squeeze before addressing the woman again. "Please take a seat. If you're not here to attack us then we can discuss this like adults."

"Chi-Chi."

Chi-Chi grimaced. She knew Goku was upset. She was upset too. But she found it hard to believe this woman trembling before them was a threat. Plus people were watching them. The sooner she could get this woman off of the ground the better.

"Please Goku? Let's just hear what she has to say."

He made a face but dragged a chair over from a nearby table and took a seat, keeping a careful eye on the woman as she and Chi-Chi did the same.

They sat there in silence for several minutes before Chi-Chi realized she'd have to be the first to speak if they were to ever get anywhere.

"What's your name?"

"My name is Bai Suzhen but you may call me Bai."

Chi-Chi nodded, pleased to have gotten at least that much.

"My name is Chi-Chi and this is Goku. You mentioned wanting to offer us your assistance?"

Bai nodded hastily but still hesitated to speak. "Yes…as well as my sincerest apologies for not stepping in to assist…I…I met Ho—that man—some time ago. He took me and another in, gave us room and board after we lost our place in the world, as well as a chance to rest our weary hearts. He…he was not a perfect man by far…but I owed him much for his support."

"So you just stood by and let him drug Chi-Chi for that?!" Goku snapped.

"No!" Bai blanched. "No, please! I did not realize what he had done until after you had whisked her away!" She turned to Chi-Chi. "We…we had all lost someone we once loved, I thought you were the same," she explained, gesturing to Goku. "I was horrified when I discovered the truth. I only come to you now, to make amends for my negligence."

"You can help by leavin' us alone."

Chi-Chi frowned and placed a hand on Goku's knee. As much as the incident with Hou Yi had affected her, she couldn't help but think that it had hurt her Goku worse. This dear sweet man. She was wrong to make him sit here and listen to this.

"He's right," Chi-Chi sighed, standing to leave. "If you wanted to prove your innocence, then I believe you, but I think it's time we got going. C'mon, Goku."

Goku jumped to his feet, more than ready to go, as Bai scrambled for words that would make them stay.

"I…I know you walk the path of the gods!"

Chi-Chi stiffened and turned to glare at the other woman. "Did he tell ya that?"

"I know you have every reason to doubt me," Bai murmured, "but I can help you." She swallowed, steeling her nerves. "Because once…long ago…there was a time I walked it too."

That caught both Chi-Chi's and Goku's attention.

"You?" Chi-Chi cried, her voice coming out strangled. She didn't mean to sound so incredulous but after facing two challenges she had an idea of what to expect, and this woman was claiming to have faced something similar?

But how? And how was she alive? According to her mother's stories every person who had gone on the journey perished a long time ago. Then again…Hou Yi had faced at least the first two challenges…why hadn't he continued the journey? Could her mother have been mistaken? Had there been challengers who actually faced all four gods and lived?

"If that's true…" Chi-Chi muttered, unable to keep her curiosity at bay. "Does this mean you've completed every challenge?"

"None have made it past Zhuque."

Chi-Chi frowned. So if she hadn't succeeded, did she just give up? But why?

Bai noted Chi-Chi's questioning gaze and smiled sadly. "It was a long time ago. I traveled with my lover, much like you do, but when it came time to face the third trial I was unable to follow Xu Xian. I waited for his return but he never did and after months went by I knew he never would. It was a short time after that man found me and took me in."

Chi-Chi shifted uncomfortably, her heart softening towards the other woman despite her best efforts. It was clear Bai was sincere. Even after all this time, her loss seemed to affect her greatly. If she ever lost Goku…Chi-Chi shuddered, not wanting to imagine it. At least when she thought he was leaving her, she knew he would still be alive, happy and healthy somewhere out in the world.

"So ya know how to get past the fire?" Goku asked, surprising Chi-Chi.

Bai nodded. "Yes, I know how."

Goku opened his mouth to ask a follow up question but Chi-Chi had questions of her own.

"Excuse us a minute," she murmured, pulling Goku aside. "What are you doing? I thought we didn't want her help?"

"I don't," Goku pouted.

The last thing he wanted was anything to do with the people that hurt Chi-Chi…but Chi-Chi hadn't been completely wrong to trust that bastard the last time either. As awful as he was, he had known about Qinglong and the Great Clam pearls. If it hadn't been for him, they would have been stuck there for a hundred years while all their friends grew old and died. So…so maybe this Bai person knew something about how to get past the fire? Fortune Teller Baba did know a lot of things but there was always a chance this was something she didn't.

"Ya said so yourself though, no one knows about it or they think it's made up. I don't like it but if she's got information we need, then so be it."

Chi-Chi stared.

This man. This wonderfully sweet man. She knew he was doing this for her. That he would put aside his anger to help her accomplish her dreams…goodness! She was gonna make him the most scrumptious meal ever once all this was over.

But until then…

Chi-Chi turned back to the woman. "So how do we get past the fire?"

"I…I can assist you," Bai replied, looking down at her folded hands. "But I really must warn you against it. No one has ever survived the third challenge."

Chi-Chi smiled, more than aware of the dangers. She'd be lying if she said that didn't frighten her but if she wanted to get stronger, she couldn't let that stop her. "I know. So how do we do it?"

Bai sighed, feeling more than a little envious. If only she had been so self assured. If she had, maybe things would have turned out differently with Xu Xian and…

No. She was being foolish. Even if she had had the courage to follow, she would have most likely just perished alongside him.

She shook her head, ignoring the ache in her heart that appeared whenever she thought of her lost love, and answered the determined young woman instead. "To pass the fires you need only a pure heart. The fires…they burn away all masks or disguises, revealing the truth of who you are. However, if you have a wicked nature, you will not make it through unscathed."

"Really?!" Chi-Chi gasped. "That's it?"

She shared a smile with Goku, ready to take off that second, but Bai stopped them before they could do so.

"There is, however, one thing you will need, should you make it past the flames."

"What's that?" Goku asked warily.

Bai smiled. "You will need paint."

o0o

"I don't understand," Chi-Chi muttered as she and Goku looked around the hilly area.

She studied her map again. This island wasn't anywhere on it! Though she could understand why it was uninhabited. No bigger than maybe a dozen acres and uncomfortably warm due to its proximity to Ember Island, there was no reason anyone sane would choose to live on this island.

But surely a cartographer would have added it just for accuracy sake!

Bai smiled, amused by Chi-Chi's frustration. "The locals call this Firefly Island because it is only at night that they can see its outline but only those who have visited Xuan Wu and Qinglong are able to see this island during the day."

"Is that so?" Chi-Chi murmured. She supposed that was one way to keep the unworthy at bay. "Is that why we're doing this at night? So folks can't see us?"

The sun had nearly set and soon there wouldn't be any light at all except for what little moonlight there was. Just how they were supposed to find and mine crystals in the dark was beyond her, but she supposed these tasks weren't meant to be easy.

"The best time to extract the crystals is at night," Bai explained, her gaze steady on the horizon.

As if she timed it, slowly but surely the sun's rays began to disappear only to be replaced by millions of brilliant little lights that sparked to life as darkness seeped into the hillsides.

Goku's gaze cut to Chi-Chi as she gasped in delight.

"Fireflies! Oh Goku look!"

But Goku was more content to watch Chi-Chi. He smiled as she oohed and aahed, until she caught him staring, then her flushed cheeks made him smile wider. Chi-Chi was real cute when she was being shy. It was only when she punched him, knocking him off his feet, that he remembered she also got feisty when she was embarrassed but that was okay, he thought that was cute too.

He chuckled, rubbing his arm, and turned his attention back to the twinkling lights. They were pretty but nothing like the little lightning bugs he'd grown up with on Mt. Paozu.

"The crystals?" he guessed, earning an embarrassed nod from Bai who'd turn away during their flirting.

"You will need to collect as many crystals as you can and then grind them up to make a paste to use as an aid once you journey inside Zhuque's home or else risk wandering lost inside the volcano for all eternity."

Chi-Chi frowned. "We're gonna need a lot of paint." She knelt to inspect the crystal, noting it seemed well embedded in the ground. "Even if we work through the night, can we really gather enough?"

Goku plucked a crystal out of the dirt and pinched it between two fingers, frowning when it crushed a little too easily. Chi-Chi had a point. Even with all the crystals lit up, it would still be difficult to dig in the dark without crushing them in the process, let alone gathering enough to search an entire volcano.

"Hey! I got an idea!" He cupped his hands around his mouth and hollered, "Nimbus!"

Faithful as ever, the little cloud streaked through the darkened sky, cutting across the sliver of moonlight, and slammed to a halt in front of them. Goku patted his friend with a smile and then turned to the ladies.

"It's not safe to do this with you two on the ground, so I'll need ya both to hop on," he explained before focusing on Chi-Chi. "Ya think ya can hold her on Nimbus for a few minutes, Chi? This won't take me long."

Chi-Chi scoffed, insulted he had to ask. "Of course!"

She might not be as strong as him but she was still far from being weak! Chi-Chi turned to reach for Bai but froze as the other woman carefully clambered onto the judgemental little cloud.

And stayed there.

"Oh! Goku look!" Chi-Chi smiled. "She can ride Nimbus!"

That meant they could trust her!

Goku smiled, realizing the same thing. Suddenly this stranger didn't seem so bad after all.

"Oh, I am sorry. Was I not supposed to?" Bai asked, looking worried but Chi-Chi was quick to put her at ease.

"No, no, you've done nothing wrong. Nimbus is just a bit picky about who it lets ride. Isn't that right Goku?"

"Sure is! But since it likes ya that makes this easier." He put two hands on Chi-Chi's waist and plopped her up beside Bai before pulling out his power pole and jabbing it into the ground. "Nimbus, follow me. Power pole extend!"

Goku shot up into the sky, coming eye level with the top of Ember Island's volcano, and waited for Nimbus to reach him with the girls. He didn't have to wait long, even with two people the little cloud was fast as ever. He shot Chi-Chi a wink and then got to work, rocking the power pole back and forth as he worked to stay in one place in the air.

Chi-Chi frowned as she watched him, not really sure what he was doing. It was like he was trying to stir the earth, but that was crazy! Goku may be impossibly strong but that…she paused as a low rumble reached her ears.

There was no way. It couldn't be!

She peaked over the edge of Nimbus down to the glittering island below and gasped—the island was actually shaking!—the waters along the shores turning almost violently. One by one the crystals came loose from the soil, bouncing and rolling among the hills.

Chi-Chi pressed a hand to her cheek feeling warm despite the breeze. It was probably because they were so close to the wall of fire. That made the most sense. And yet…

Her gaze drifted back to Goku.

She couldn't help but feel warmer every time he moved, his muscles bulging as he shifted his arms back and forth. There was no doubt about it, he was certainly the world's strongest man.

A man that would soon be her husband.

Chi-Chi blushed, fanning herself, as she returned her attention to the ground. The crystals were forming a pile now, rolling together between all the hills. Goku continued for a few minutes longer, until not a single lone crystal remained, and then dropped to the earth.

"Goku!" Chi-Chi cried as she and Bai joined him. "That was amazing!"

Goku grinned. "Yeah? I did good?"

As if he really had to ask! Chi-Chi threw her arms around him.

"The best! You're so clever thinkin' up something like that."

Goku's grin stretched a little wider if possible.

He'd never been called clever before and Chi-Chi had called him smart earlier at the cafe too. He felt his chest puff with pride as he leaned in to kiss her but Chi-Chi wasn't about to put on a show, even if it was difficult to see.

"Clever and incorrigible," she giggled, pressing a kiss to a confused Goku's cheek before slipping out of his grasp.

She opened an empty storage capsule and started gathering up the crystals. With Goku's and Bai's help, they got the job done quickly and Chi-Chi estimated that it wasn't even quite midnight by the time they were finished.

Good! That meant they could start fresh in the morning.

She pocketed the capsule container and wiped her brow with a sigh. "Phew! That's everything. How bout we call it a night and grind them up tomorrow after a good night's sleep? This way we'll be able to see what we're doing."

"Sounds good Chi," Goku yawned before remembering an important detail. "Didja wanna use the tub?"

Chi-Chi blushed, not surprised that Goku would bring that up again. After all, they still hadn't tried it. The first night he'd been in a food coma and the second she'd been too embarrassed after getting caught getting hot and heavy with Goku by the ferris wheel operator. This would be the third night at the hotel and she knew he wanted to try it before they had to leave.

"Tomorrow," she promised. "Tonight I just want to get a solid night's sleep before we face Zhuque's challenge." Goku pouted but agreed it was for the best as Chi-Chi turned questioningly to Bai. "Will we see you in the morning?"

Bai hesitated.

Return to the place she had last seen Xu Xian? Her heart ached at the mere thought. But…but maybe that was a way of making amends as well, to Xu Xian—and herself—for allowing fear to keep her from his side.

"I will meet you there," she said after a moment. "Someone should bear witness to the first individuals to complete the third challenge."

And she was sure they would. There was something about the two that told Bai they would succeed at anything they put their minds to. She would stand witness and then when she met Xu Xian in the otherworld, she would share with him their tales.

o0o

They arrived on Ember Island around mid morning the next day, well rested and fed and eager for the next challenge. But first they needed to mix up the crystals they'd gathered the night before.

Chi-Chi opened the capsule and peered in at the contents. "Oh, what's this? Looks like more than just asteroid crystals got mixed in."

"Hm?" Goku peeked over her shoulder, noting the pretty reddish pink rock she was admiring. "Oh hey, I think I've seen that before." He reached down and plucked it out of the pile.

"Really? What is it?"

"Uh…."

Chi-Chi smiled, shaking her head. "That's okay, it's not important. Now how do we go about grinding these? I wonder if it'll be very difficult."

She picked up a crystal, examining it, while Goku continued to stare at the red rock in his hand. Where had he seen it again? It was somewhere recent but he didn't think Chi-Chi had been with him…otherwise she'd know it too…

Oh yeah! Goku snapped his fingers. Now he remembered! It had been on the boat with Kani and the others. One of the guys had been showing pictures of a rock that looked just like this.

He was glad he figured it out, that would have driven him crazy.

Goku scratched the back of his head, staring at the dull rock a little longer, before finally pocketing it and returning his attention to Chi-Chi and the crystals.

"If only I had some sort of giant mortar. The crystals break easily enough but the smaller pieces will be harder to crush," she muttered.

"We can use my staff," Goku grinned, tugging off the heavy weapon he'd gotten from Xuan Wu. He plopped it into the container and made quick work of grinding all the crystals up until they were powder soft and then turned to Chi-Chi.

"Now what?"

"Now we make paint."

Chi-Chi popped open their capsule home and hurried inside, returning after a moment with their largest pot nearly overflowing with water.

"Okay!" she told him, pressing the pot to the container. "Please stir while I pour," she instructed, tipping the water into the container slowly as Goku did as requested. When she was satisfied, she went back inside and this time came out with a sack of flour. "Again please," she told him, ripping open the sack before adding it slowly into the mix.

Goku did as he was told, stirring carefully to keep it from splashing, but he couldn't help but wonder how she knew how to do this.

"A lady from the village taught me," Chi-Chi explained after he asked. "The daycare I volunteer at sometimes likes to make it for the children to play with." She pressed her fingers to the mixture to judge the consistency and deemed it ready. "Well, I guess that's it then. Let's go!"

"Yeah!" Goku grinned.

He capsulated the container and put it in his pocket as Chi-Chi led the way to the ring of fire.

Bai was already there waiting for them. Her thoughts heavy as she stood in the place she'd last stood over two hundred years ago. It was with mixed feelings then, that she watched the young couple coming up the path. Both so filled with confidence and a willingness to face things head on…had she ever looked so inspiring? If she had been able to support Xu Xian the same way, had had the courage to follow, to stay by his side through it all—even if the truth ripped him from her—would he have lived and had a full life filled with happiness and joy?

She would never know…but if she succeeded here, there was still a chance she could see him again.

Bai smiled a bit wistfully, dabbing her forehead with a handkerchief as she joined the young couple in front of the fire.

"Good morning," Chi-Chi greeted as Goku inspected the flames.

"So all we've gotta do is walk through?" He put his hand in the fire and flinched back, waving his fingers to cool them off. "Ouch that's hot! Sure feels real."

"Really?" Chi-Chi ventured closer to try for herself but yanked her hand back at the scalding heat. "Ouch! That really is hot!"

She sucked the tips of her fingers as she eyed the flames warily.

These flames…they were just like the ones on Mt. Frypan. Would it really just let them through? Chi-Chi shivered, recalling the unfortunate victims who found themselves caught in the wicked fire back home and the screams that had accompanied the scent of burning flesh. She spun away from the others, feeling like she was gonna be sick.

"Chi-Chi?" Goku called, taking a step towards her. "You alright?"

"I-I'm fine."

"Don't lie."

Chi-Chi smiled despite feeling uneasy. How was he always able to call her out like that?

She tried again.

"I'll live," she promised before turning to face Bai. "Are you sure this'll work?"

The other woman smiled in sympathy. "The flames will make you face your darkest fears. You must be strong to make it through unscathed."

Well that didn't sound great but they'd come too far to give up now.

"We can do it, can't we Chi-Chi?" Goku grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Chi-Chi nodded back, pumping her fists. "Right!"

With no reason left to linger, Goku directed his gaze to the fire and walked in. Chi-Chi took a deep breath and then tried to follow, only to freeze before she could submerge herself in the flames. The screams and scents were hitting her again. Almost taunting her for believing herself pure when her father's wicked blood ran through her veins.

Chi-Chi knew she had to hurry—Goku would be waiting for her—and yet for some reason her feet refused to budge!

"Bai?" Chi-Chi called, looking over her shoulder. "You said only pure hearted people can make it through right? What was it like when you did it?"

"I…I never…" Bai dropped her gaze in shame. "In the end, I could not do it."

"What?" Chi-Chi spun around, confused. "Why not? You're pure of heart! It woulda let you through."

Bai smiled doubtfully. "How can you be so sure? I did live with a scoundrel…two in fact, for many years."

"Nimbus would have never let you ride if you weren't."

Bai blinked, taken aback. "Truly?"

A small smile fluttered to her lips. The thought brought her joy and yet this knowledge was bittersweet as well. She sighed and raised her head to meet Chi-Chi's gaze. She had been a coward long enough.

"The truth is Miss Chi-Chi, I was afraid. The fires strip away everything, leaving only the truth. I was afraid my lover would find out that I…that I am…not human."

"Oh." Chi-Chi's gaze dropped to the ground as she frowned, trying to understand. "Was he some sort of segratist?"

"What? No! But…but does that not bother you?" Bai questioned, not having expected such a subdued reaction.

"Should it?" Chi-Chi pressed a finger to her cheek as she thought over all the people she'd met. "You certainly look more human than some of the folks I know."

There were several species living on Earth. It wasn't odd that Bai was one of them. Heck, Goku had had a tail when they were kids and as far as she knew humans didn't grow horns, though that was a thought she didn't want to dwell on.

"Besides…" Chi-Chi added, smiling. "It certainly explains a few things. From what I know, no one's undertaken the journey for quite some time."

Bai looked away with a smile. "I suppose I should not be surprised you caught that. The both of you are quite capable to have made it thus far."

"Thank you," Chi-Chi replied with a blush. "So…your, uh, lover…"

"Xu Xian. Yes, he went ahead, brave as always, but in my cowardice I could not follow and he never returned. I know not what even befell him because I remain too scared to go forth and find out." Bai admitted with a sigh. "Even if your Nimbus accepts me, I do not believe the flames will. How could they? It is my fault that Xu Xian perished."

"Nonsense! I obviously don't know him but if he loved you as much as you loved him, I'm sure he doesn't blame you."

Bai smiled and took Chi-Chi's hands, pressing them gently. "Thank you, Chi-Chi, but what of you? Will you follow Goku? Or remain here with me?"

Chi-Chi returned Bai's gesture and then looked back towards the flames, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Bai had lived all this time full of regrets, wishing she'd been able to stay by her lover's side. That's not what Chi-Chi wanted for herself. The reason she'd started this journey was to gain the strength so that she could support Goku and protect her loved ones when the likes of Piccolo or worse came calling. She wouldn't give up now.

"Even if Goku wasn't waitin' for me, I don't wanna back down," Chi-Chi told her, taking a step forward. "I made a promise to myself that I was gonna complete this journey and I don't plan to stop now." She took a deep breath and then shot Bai a smile. "See you in a bit."

Chi-Chi closed her eyes and stepped into the flames.

The heat was intense. Worse than her father's strongest sauna. Even though her flesh went unmarred, it was difficult to breathe and sweat dripped steadily down her forehead, burning her eyes as she struggled to see past the shadows that blocked her way.

She would live but only if she didn't linger.

Chi-Chi wiped the sweat from her brow and struggled forward, feeling the shadows closing in. She could hear their screams now. The cries for help. Innocent folk long gone, wailing in agony for punishments they didn't deserve. Her heart grew heavy, remembering that time all too well. Remembered pleading with her father for forgiveness, for a punishment less harsh.

But her father never listened.

He'd claim their crimes had earned them the fire's wrath but Chi-Chi didn't think anyone deserved to feel their flesh melt from the bones.

Tears steamed halfway down her cheeks before dissipating due to the heat as Chi-Chi trudged on, knowing that she needed to make it to the otherside. Even if the fire didn't burn, she would die of dehydration if she didn't hurry!

The screams grew louder but Chi-Chi ignored them.

Her father's sins were not her own. She was good. She was pure. She would help instead of harm. She would be strong. She would be a good wife. She would support her future husband!

Oh who are you kidding? You're just a boring little girl who talks a big game but will never amount to anything in life. You're nothing special. The only reason you wanted to be a housewife was because you're too much of a coward to lead your father's people. That's why you need Son Goku. A larger than life man like that? No one will be surprised if you don't measure up.

Chi-Chi's footsteps faltered. Those words…she had heard such things before. From the same people that shook their heads at her mother for being so weak and perishing so young. She was no match for the Ox King and her daughter was no match for Son Goku. No wonder she wanted to be just a boring housewife.

But they were wrong. All of them. And these visions were wrong too.

She never cared about being special. All she wanted was to be free! Maybe being a housewife wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, but she'd be free to focus on her loved ones in a way her father had never been able to. Free to go and do whatever, whenever, without everyone watching and judging her every move. In just these few months alone she'd already seen and done more than she could have ever imagined. She wouldn't give that up now.

She may never be strong but she was far from weak. And more importantly, she was free.

Chi-Chi stepped out of the fire, breathing in the cool fresh air in large greedy breaths, until she felt capable of standing upright and looking around.

She turned once.

Twice.

And finally a third time.

"Goku?"

But no matter where she looked, there was no one around. Chi-Chi trembled as she looked back the way she had come.

"Goku?"