A man sat at a spinning stone wheel, lazily grinding his axe. Sparks hit his skin now and then but he'd grown accustomed to the little stinging burns and paid it no mind. His thoughts were on more internal pains.

"When was the last time we had something good to eat?" he grunted, inspecting his blade's sharpness.

A bony old woman stood behind him, spritzing a wilting plant but slammed the bottle on the counter upon hearing his question.

"No one's stoppin' ya from scrounging somethin' up," she spat.

The man rolled his eyes and shut the spinning wheel off, leaning his axe against the nearby wall. "Would it kill ya to check that damn mirror of yours now and then?" If he could do it then he wouldn't be asking!

"Fine, fine," she grumbled, pulling out her mirror. "Let the old hobbled woman do all the work."

"Yer hardly hobbled witch."

"Barbarian."

"I prefer the term chef," the man smirked, scratching his chin idly. Connoisseur even.

The witch waved him off, peering intently into her mirror before she shot up hollering.

"Jackpot! Maybe yer useful for sumthin after all," she grinned, her smile missing several teeth. "Gotta a couple of live ones."

The man jumped to his feet. "Yeah? Need me to take care of 'em?"

"Ya know they're better fresh," the witch scoffed. "Just grab me some vegt'bles from the garden. They'll come soon enough."

o0o

Chi-Chi jumped back, needing a breather to assess her situation. Her muscles were tiring faster than normal, the addition of weights, like Goku's, on her wrists and back were starting to get to her after sparring for an hour, and her lungs were burning. Unfortunately Goku still looked as fresh as when they'd started, jumping from side to side as he awaited her next move. She knew he had stamina to spare but she was starting to get jealous.

Still, she wasn't ready to surrender just yet.

She leapt through the air and aimed a kick at Goku's head. Naturally he blocked, so she used the momentum to try and flip over and kick out again simultaneously but unfortunately this time he grabbed her leg, throwing her off balance. She would have landed on her neck if he hadn't slipped an arm around her back to catch her, holding her like some trashy romance novel.

Chi-Chi growled and pulled away to stand on her own.

"Maybe we better call it quits," Goku frowned. "You're breathin' heavy."

"Am not."

She lunged, striking with her fist, but Goku simply caught it and twisted, halting her actions.

"Oh!" Chi-Chi gasped, causing Goku to let go immediately.

"Sorry, too rough?"

"It's fine," she assured before stumbling back into position. Chi-Chi was prepared to go again but Goku shook his head and crossed his arms to show he was done.

"No."

"I'm fine, Goku."

"Chi-Chi." He said scoldingly, using the tone she used when he failed to clean up before a meal.

"Goku, I'm—"

"Chi-Chi."

"Oh fine!" Chi-Chi huffed, throwing her hands in the air. She stomped past him, making her way back towards their makeshift campsite. She only made it a few feet before Goku was jogging beside her, smiling like they hadn't just been arguing two seconds ago.

"Aw c'mon Chi. Don't be like that. We still have plenty to do today. Ya don't wanna tire yourself out already."

She took a seat on a large rock and glared at him, making Goku's heart rate speed up. Her anger sure was something…

"We went longer yesterday."

Goku gave himself a mental shake. "But ya weren't wearin' weights then," he pointed out. "Besides, just cause you're restin' doesn't mean ya can't train. You can meditate!"

Chi-Chi held back from making a face but just barely. She didn't quite understand meditating the way Goku wanted her to but he was also the more knowledgeable and skilled of the two, so she nodded and moved to the ground to do as he suggested.

Goku watched her for a little bit, studying her ki and feeling it level out as she went deeper into her meditation before turning back into the woods. He'd use the chance to continue his own training, as well as find something to catch for lunch. He thought he saw some bear tracks earlier, they wouldn't be as tasty as they were later in the season but with Chi-Chi's cooking he was sure the meat would still be mouthwatering.

He grinned stupidly, imagining what she'd make, something savory and juicy…something that really made the meat melt on his tongue…His nose itched, picking up on an appealing scent. It wasn't quite what he'd been thinking, it was lighter…more herby? Goku sniffed curiously as he followed the scent, trying to determine where it was coming from. Chi-Chi's food smelled better but this wasn't bad.

The scent grew stronger the farther he walked and soon he was thick amongst the trees, sunlight rarely breaking through their branches. What an odd place to cook a meal. Sure his home on Mt. Paozu was in the middle of nowhere but at least it wasn't dark and miserable looking. He sniffed again, wondering if it was really worth coming all this way, when a new scent hit his nose, smokey and flowery…almost like…

Goku looked back down the path he'd come from confused. Was Chi-Chi no longer back at camp? He was still fairly new at reading ki, having only been able to practice on Kami and Mr. Popo until recently, and hers was always so low unless agitated…and his senses…he was starting to feel drowsy…maybe Chi-Chi wasn't the only one who needed to rest. But was she still at camp? Or was she…he turned back in the direction he'd been heading. That scent sorta smelled like Chi-Chi…maybe her scent had just been muddled by something?

Figuring it wouldn't hurt to check, Goku stumbled forward until he came across a run down looking two story cottage with a hot spring attached to its side. It was also the source of the first mysterious scent, although he could no longer smell the one that reminded him of Chi-Chi. Odd.

"Hello there," crooned a weathered old lady, "What brings a strappin' young lad like yerself to my woods?"

"Hello! I'm Son Goku," Goku greeted, always happy to meet a new face. He looked around the clearing and then back at her. Was she out here all by herself?

"Son Goku, eh? That's a fine name. Care ta join me for lunch, Son Goku?" she asked, waving him closer.

"Sure!" he grinned. Oh, but he was supposed to be hunting for him and Chi-Chi. "Er…well, maybe next time. My friend's waitin' on me."

"A lady friend, eh?"

"How did you—"

"Not ta worry, Son Goku, not ta worry. I sent for her the moment I saw ya comin'. She'll be here shortly."

"Really?" Goku beamed. If Chi-Chi was coming here she wouldn't have to cook, which means she could rest more, even if she wouldn't admit it. "Well in that case!"

"Ah, ah, ah." The old lady chided, raising a wrinkled finger. "Ya should wash up first, it's only polite."

Goku nodded, remembering Chi-Chi had the same rule. "Oh sure, where's ya sink? Or can I just use your spring?"

"Sink? Oh no dear boy, when I say wash up I mean all of ya."

"Wha…?" All of him? Was that really necessary? "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Do ya wanna eat or not?"

Well…he was hungry…

Goku pouted for a moment but decided he better go along with it. Chi-Chi was on her way, and a free meal was the only way to make sure she rested. If this is what it took…

"I can use this?" he asked, pointing to the springs.

"Of course, of course. Be sure to enjoy a nice long soak!"

Goku watched her hobble off in confusion but shrugged and started to strip, making sure to leave his boxers on now that Chi-Chi had explained being naked was something only married folk did. He hopped in the springs as soon as his clothes were off, popping up out of the water with a satisfied sigh. The water felt really good. It was nice and hot! And it smelled delicious. He took a few appreciative sniffs. Whatever the old lady was cooking sure was strong. It smelled like he was surrounded by it.

He leaned his back against a rock as he felt his eyelids growing heavy. Strange. He didn't usually feel this tired so early in the day. He must be more hungry than he'd thought. Hopefully Chi-Chi would get here soon…she'd probably really enjoy the hot springs. The heat would soothe her tired muscles…would she be okay stripping to her underwear at least?...She could use his gi if not…man he sure was sleepy…..

Goku sunk a little further into the water, his eyes shutting completely.

o0o

Chi-Chi was starting to get worried. Which was strange because who would have thought anyone would worry over the strongest man on the planet? And yet here she was, checking the distance the sun had traveled since she'd last set eyes on him. If only she had a watch. Except it's not like she could spar with it and she didn't really need to keep track of time on her journey except for now when she was wondering where Goku had run off to. She had expected him to go hunt, maybe train a little more since she was sure she was holding him back, but surely he should have been back by now?

She wandered away from the forest edge, moving in deeper along the path she'd seen him take. Her tracking skills weren't anything compared to Goku's but she was decent enough. Especially considering it didn't seem like he was moving very fast.

Walking a little further, she started to notice that Goku's trail was getting easier to discern. Normally he blended in with the woods, only a faint trace of a footprint now and then in the dirt, but now she could see broken twigs, a squashed flower, even two footprints close together as if he'd stumbled.

What on earth had happened?

Chi-Chi looked back the way she came but couldn't discern any animal patterns. She looked back towards Goku's path and couldn't make out anything there either.

What was going on?

A rustling stirred behind her and Chi-Chi spun around prepared to face a boar or even a dinosaur. Instead she came face to chest with a man. A very tall man. Her eyes trailed from his chest upwards. He was easily two feet taller!

"Why hullo there little miss," he grinned, from behind a thick bushy beard. "What's someone like you doin' all the way out here?"

"Oh I'm looking for my…" Chi-Chi paused. Her what? What had she been about to say? Her Goku? She snorted. That sounded silly. "I'm looking for my friend," she told him, focusing on the situation at hand. "He came this way not too long ago."

The large man nodded and swung the axe he'd been dragging over one shoulder.

"There's a house over yonder. The old hag's always cookin' somethin' tasty. I'm sure yer friend was just lured by the smell." He took a deep breath and sighed. "Can't say I blame him. Sure smells good."

Chi-Chi frowned, it wasn't polite to call someone an old hag, but there was something else bothering her.

"I don't smell anything."

The large man started at this. "Ya don't? Not even a little? C'mon, take another whiff."

Chi-Chi breathed deep but still couldn't smell anything. She shook her head, which seemed to frustrate the man for some reason.

"That traitorous old hag," he muttered under his breath. He shook his head and smiled, "Guess I just got a strong nose then. C'mon, I can show ya the way."

"Oh you don't have to trouble yourse—"

"I insist." He shoved some branches aside and waved her through.

Feeling like she couldn't protest further, Chi-Chi gave him an uneasy smile and stepped past the branches, following Goku's path as her mind thought over what the woodsman had told her. If she was being honest, she was a little hurt that Goku had gone off to eat without her. Weren't they supposed to be doing these things together? Was this just a glimpse of what was to come? Him running off and forgetting about her, only for her to be left behind worrying over him? Maybe it was good that he didn't remember his promise.

Chi-Chi sighed, knowing she wasn't being fair. It was too soon to make such leaps. They were still getting used to one another.

A small, worn looking cottage came into view just as she was about to ask how much further they had to go. She squinted, as she examined the house. It was practically shrouded in darkness, but there was light in a window so this must be the place.

"Thanks for your help…" she turned to thank the woodsman but he was nowhere in sight. When had he left? Better yet, why had he left? Chi-Chi huffed. The man really had no manners.

She shrugged and headed for the door, more focused on finding Goku. There was something eerie about the place and she wanted to get him and get out as soon as possible. Chi-Chi had just raised a fist to knock when a loud booming voice on the other side made her freeze.

"Why didn't it lure the both of 'em, eh? Ya know I don't like human men. They're too tough."

"Taste plenty fine ta me," cackled a gravely sounding woman. "Besides, he needed time ta simmer. His delicious muscles have got ta be all tender by now. It's been awhile since I had such a tasty lookin' meal."

"Well ya can have 'im. I prefer softer meat and that girl of his looked mighty tasty."

"Then whaddya wastin' time yappin' at me for? Go and kill her already if yer so hungry."

Chi-Chi had heard enough. She stumbled back horrified, unable to believe what she was hearing. They couldn't really be saying what she thought they were saying could they?

"I need to find Goku!"

She hurried around the house, hoping to find some kind of back entrance only to come across Goku asleep, simmering in what looked like a giant pot of stew. How on earth could he sleep while being boiled alive?!

"Goku!" She whispered as loudly as she dared. She dashed straight towards him, keeping an eye out for anyone who looked hungry. "Goku, wake up!"

Goku didn't stir. She leaned over and shook him but his head just flopped forward. Chi-Chi would have thought he was dead, except she could still hear him snoring away over the loud beating of her heart.

"Get up you lazy oaf!"

She smacked him upside the head and was relieved when he finally groaned and opened his eyes.

"Goku!"

"Chi-Chi?" Goku mumbled. He blinked awake slowly and then twisted around so that his arms rested on the pot's edge, bringing his face inches from hers. "Chi-Chi, whatcha do that for?" He slurred, smacking his lips before nuzzling against her.

"Is it time to eat yet?"

"Eat?" She practically screeched, "Ya idiot, don't ya see you're the meal?! We gotta get you outta here!"

She hauled him over the rim, cringing as the stew soaked her clothes. At least Goku was wearing boxers. She didn't think she could handle being embarrassed right now on top of fearing for their lives. Chi-Chi glanced around, searching for his clothes, and spotted them folded somewhat messily just off to the side. Had he just voluntarily jumped in the pot? She groaned and carried him over to his things.

"Hurry up and get dressed. We've got to go."

"But what about lunch?" Goku mumbled, though he did as she ordered and sluggishly began to put on his pants.

"Forget about lunch! Ya wouldn't like it anyway," Chi-Chi muttered. "Haven't ya ever heard of stranger danger? What made ya think it was a good idea to go trustin' someone who lives in the middle of nowhere where it's all dark and spooky like?"

"Whatcha talkin' about Chi?" Stranger…danger?...Was there someone dangerous?...Hadn't there only been a little old lady earlier…

Goku shrugged on his boots, another thought slowly coming to mind.

"Chi-Chi…" he mumbled, tangled within his orange shirt. "How'd ya find me?" Her nose wasn't as good as his, and she couldn't read ki.

"Hmm?" Chi-Chi had been keeping an eye out while he dressed but now she turned back towards him. "Whaddya mean? I followed your trail and even if I hadn't the nice woodsman was able to help—"

Woodsman? What woodsman?

Goku yanked his shirt down the rest of the way just in time to see a bear of a man bringing an axe down on Chi-Chi.

"Chi-Chi!"

But Chi-Chi had already sensed the danger and jumped back, albeit in a defensive stance in front of him. Goku might have been amused if it wasn't for the faint trace of blood he could suddenly smell.

"Chi-Chi!"

No longer sleepy, Goku grabbed her waist and lept out of the way just as the axe came down again.

"Who are you?" He growled, shoving Chi-Chi behind him. "Why are you attacking us?"

"You were one of the voices!" Chi-Chi gasped, recognizing their attacker. She turned towards Goku and hurriedly added, "I overheard him and a woman talkin' about eating us!"

Goku turned to her dumbfounded.

"Wha…? Eating us? Like…" He mimed eating a bowl of food. Chi-Chi nodded and Goku spun back to the woodsman in horror. "What kind of weirdo are you?"

The woodsman smirked and took a step closer. "Yer not the one I want, just yer girl there. Nothin' tastier than a woman's flesh," he said, licking his lips, the sight of which sent a rage through Goku he hadn't felt since he'd found Krillin murdered by King Piccolo. Like hell he'd let anyone eat Chi-Chi.

"I won't let you."

"I'm afraid ya don't got a choice, Son Goku," cackled the old lady from earlier, stepping out from behind a tree. She snapped her fingers and Goku felt his limbs freeze up. He could no longer move!

"What's going on? Let go!" he growled. What had she done to him? "Let. Me. GO!"

"'Fraid I can't do that, dearie. It's been a long while since I've had sumthin' so tasty wander my way. You'll make a fine meal."

She patted his cheek and turned back to the woodsman.

"I s'ppose we can't wait any longer. Have at it." The witch waved towards them, making the woodsman grin and raise his axe once again.

No! He needed to stop him! Why couldn't he move?

"Don't bother strugglin'," the witch grinned, as the woodsman trudged closer. "Mortals can't break my chains."

He raised the axe and Goku bit his tongue hard, praying it was some kind of mental technique but still he couldn't move.

The axe came down.

"DAMN IT!"

A woosh went over his head as something hit his back, shoving him to his knees, followed by a pained scream. Chi-Chi! He spun automatically, startling himself. Somehow he could move again! He looked at the writhing figure on the ground.

"Chi-Chi?"

But it wasn't Chi-Chi screaming in agony, it was the old lady! The woodsman had fallen to his knees beside her, clutching his stomach and howling in sync with the witch.

"Ya idiot," she cried, blood spurting from her neck and chest. "Ya've killed us both!"

"Yech," Goku said, making a face. It certainly wasn't a pretty sight.

"Goku!"

"Chi-Chi!"

Goku whirled around and was relieved to see Chi-Chi unharmed, only a thin long scratch on her cheek indicating she was ever in any danger. That was enough for him. He wasn't gonna stick around long enough to risk more.

"NIMBUS!" He shouted, yanking Chi-Chi to his side and then leaping into the trees. If Nimbus couldn't get to them, then he'd take them to Nimbus.

They burst through thickly intertwined limbs just as Nimbus came swooping past, landing on the soft little cloud and soaring off into the distance before he finally allowed himself the chance to breathe.

"That was so close!" Chi-Chi shivered, leaning against Goku for comfort. Goku, who was still feeling on edge himself, wrapped an arm around her bringing her closer. "What did she do to you? Why couldn't you move?"

"Dunno. It was like some sorta spell. Why didn't it work on you?"

"Maybe she didn't even try?" Chi-Chi shrugged. She didn't really care. It was obvious that Goku was the bigger threat of the two.

"Maybe…" Goku agreed, although something about that didn't sit right with him. Part of him wanted to go back and get some answers and an even larger part wanted to go back and finish the fight. It felt a bit cowardly running away—and he hadn't even managed to swing a punch!—but Chi-Chi was injured and that witch only had to snap her fingers and he was immobilized. It was too risky to stick around.

"I hope this teaches you not to trust strangers so easily, Goku." Chi-Chi huffed, pulling away from his arm to lecture him. "You were in real danger! Not even you could fight your way out of that one."

Goku frowned.

"Hey! I didn't know she was a witch. And didn't you follow the man with the axe?"

Chi-Chi blushed, acknowledging Goku had a point. They had both been a little too trusting.

"You're right," she sighed, pressing her hands against her cheeks. "That was foolish of me. I shouldn't have trusted him so easily."

"Aw, don't feel too bad Chi-Chi," Goku told her as they swooped down to their campsite to grab their stuff and go. "After all, if I'd never trusted Bulma, we'd of never met!"

Chi-Chi smiled, her eyes going soft as she looked at him, and Goku felt his heart rate pick up when she squeezed his hand.

"That's very true. I'm very grateful you were trusting enough that I got to meet you."

"Y-Yeah," Goku nodded. "Me too."

He tugged at his shirt, starting to feel hot. It felt like his cheeks were burning and Chi-Chi's eyes were so wide and sparkly…Goku leaned back, needing to get some space, and toppled off Nimbus in his rush to get away. Briefly he wondered if he was still under the witch's spell, but then Chi-Chi giggled sending a shot of adrenaline straight through him and he realized it was her! Did Chi-Chi have magic? If she did, he didn't think she knew.

"You okay?" Chi-Chi asked him, hopping off Nimbus with quite a bit more grace.

Goku laughed uneasily. "Still feeling a little sluggish, I guess." He'd have to wait and see if she really had magic or not before telling her.

Chi-Chi, however, grew more concerned upon hearing this. She frowned and placed a hand on his forehead making Goku's heart speed up even more.

"Maybe you'd better rest. I can pack up, it won't take long."

Goku agreed, happy for an excuse to get her focus off of him. Then his stomach rumbled.

"Ehehe…"

"I guess I better hurry," Chi-Chi giggled. She quickly hurried away to do just that as Goku rubbed his stomach, hoping to soothe it and his heart simultaneously. It helped…a little.

It had to be his hunger that was making him act so weird. That and some combination of the witch's spell that still lingered. Chi-Chi wasn't a witch. He was just being silly.

Goku watched Chi-Chi capsulate their things and put them in the storage case before turning to him with a wide smile.

"All done!" she grinned.

Goku smiled back, dismissing the unease he felt as his heart rate picked up once more.