Disclaimer – on my profile page

Summery – A vixen has disrupted the peaceful world, or at least, Piccolo's world. Up until now his heart could only be touched by Gohan. She's not normal, but she's an earthling all the same. What makes her so appealing to the warrior then?

Note – After doing a little research, I decided to put this before the DBGT series. Pan is seven (since she's 13 at the start of DBGT), Bulla is 8, and if I did my math right, Trunks is 4 years older than Pan making him 11 in this story, and Goten is 10. I'm assuming Gohan was 18 when he and Videl had Pan, so this story makes Gohan and Videl 25. Piccolo is 4 years older than Gohan (years-wise, he's older mentally and emotionally) so that makes him 29.

Note 2 – I really have no idea what Videl does for a living, forgive me, but as for Gohan I made him a teacher!

First Encounter

"PICCOLO! PICCOLO!"

The Namek recognized the voice and he peeked open a dark colored eye. Only one brave enough to catch him off guard had been Gohan, the man running up to him now. He had been the only one so far to figure out what his true eye color was. It made him proud, because it showed how much Gohan trusted him, and how much he trusted Gohan. He still couldn't believe the pampered kid he had met on the battlefield after the incident with Raditz, had turned into a strong energetic man like his father, "What is it, Kid?"

Gohan rolled his chocolate orbs, "Why you keep calling me that I don't know. I'm halfway through my 20s, fresh out of college to be a teacher. I'm not a kid."

Piccolo snorted and touched his feet to the ground, effectively getting out of his floating meditating stance, and he unfolded his arms, "Yeah, yeah. I don't care how old you get, I'm going to call you what I please."

"Fine, then, have it your way," Gohan chuckled and pulled out an iPad from his backpack.

"What are you doing?" Piccolo tilted his head slightly in curiosity. He never understood how to use the blasted things. Usually his frustration made him break it in half or his nails – as sharp as they are – would scratch the screen.

Gohan grinned, "There's a new martial arts building that opened last month, and word got to the news."

"Another one of those buildings used for a ridiculous excuse for fight training?" Piccolo gave his once-student a bored look.

"Unlike the others I've shown you, this one's WAY different. Just watch this," the son of Goku handed over the iPad, "I locked the screen so you won't touch anything accidentally."

With that reassurance Piccolo took the contraption gingerly and turned it so he could watch the screen which was playing a news story. He had watched the news on Bulma's TV before, and had been confused when she said "yesterday's news" but quickly understood that after being recorded, it could be watched again at any time.

This story in particular was also, yesterdays, because it said the 17th of June, and today was the 18th. He was glad Gohan had given him a pocket calendar. Piccolo furrowed his brows and listened.

"6261 Hazelnut Way is where this new martial art building is located; or rather it's next to the lake just beyond it. A rocky, dusty road is the only guide to it, and it's quite a walk."

"I didn't know there was a building next to the lake..." Piccolo glanced a Gohan who was nibbling on a mounds candy bar. The kid only nodded so he took that as to keep watching.

The reporter shifted his glasses and the news crew broke through a thick line of trees. It showed a view of the lake and then landed on an enormous log cabin, "In just a month, the members of this building have gone to only a dozen, to several hundred. There are two instructors and unfortunately it is Thursday, so we will only be able to speak to the second instructor, Videl."

Piccolo raised an eyebrow, "Your Videl?"

"Sure is! She met the owner of Aka Ryuu at Starbucks. Videl's curiosity landed her a spot next to the owner's side." Gohan grinned.

"Why won't you say this person's name?" Piccolo frowned.

"I'll give you an idea," Gohan laughed, "This person is a she and she doesn't want her name given out to people every which way. She likes getting to know the person first. As it is, even Videl didn't know her name until a week ago. No one knows her real name except for Videl and Pan."

"What do they call this woman, then?" Piccolo was baffled. Why would someone want to keep their identity a secret? Unless that person was hiding something, there was no reason. Then again humans did things for just about any cause. He didn't let Gohan answer; he instead looked back to the news story since it had stopped. He frowned, "What happened to it?"

Gohan took it back and groaned, "This thing's a piece of junk, that's what. You didn't do anything, Piccolo, don't worry." He rambled as he pressed the button to turn it off. Then he placed it in his pack and slung the backpack over his shoulder, "Let's head over there. It'll only take ten minutes if we fly."

"Instead of the normal five because you want to take the long way around to avoid being seen by humans, right?"

"You know me so well!"

Piccolo rolled his eyes, "Is Videl there?"

"Nope, it'll be the owner. Videl had stuff to do today with Pan once she got out of school. I'll be meeting her later." Gohan grinned and took off into the air.

Piccolo followed right behind him, his curiosity getting the better of him. He couldn't complain anyway, it had been a while since Gohan had taken him anywhere. The lake came into view shortly, and the two of them had to shield their faces once they landed because a giant splash came from the lake. "What the hell was that?" he frowned and looked to where the cabin was. It looked so much bigger than he thought it was going to be, and the side facing them had a large window with no class in it, just a large flap tied on top in case of rain. He caught the back of someone's heels as they walked out of sight. Then he realized whoever it was wasn't walking the normal heel-toe fashion, they were walking on the balls of their feet. He remembered clearly he had to teach Gohan to run on his toes and try and make sure his heels hardly ever touched the ground when fighting. It made for easier and faster responses that way.

"Videl warned me about that. It seems the owner sends people flying if they try and start something with her or another student, or refuse to listen. Mostly teenagers, though, or guys who think they're tough and better than her just because she's a girl. She hates that most." Gohan smiled and started walking, leading Piccolo to the front where they saw Trunks holding open the door.

"Aka-san saw you and said to greet you," Trunks grinned as Goten came up behind him.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up here, bro!" Goten laughed and hugged Gohan.

"Sorry about that, I would've come sooner since i know you come here after school gets out, but I wanted to get Piccolo," Gohan smiled and patted his little brother's head, "Where can we find Aka-san?"

Trunks and Goten pointed to a corner and Piccolo's eyes followed. His breath caught in his throat and his eyes widened as he took in the sight. The woman had long auburn brown hair tied up in a high ponytail and a rose, a live yellow rose between the bands. As he watched her do a series of moves in rapid-motion, he noticed the rose had life-energy sparkling inside it like dew-drops. The Namek wondered if she used that as a source to store her power. If so, what was the reason?

"Trunks, Goten, let them inside," the woman said clearly, not raising her voice even though she was clear across the room. It sounded to Piccolo as if she was standing right beside them.

"Yes, Aka-san!" the two chorused. Goten smiled at them and took Gohan's hand, pulling him inside and Piccolo had no choice but to follow and shut the door behind him. He glanced around and many of the students cave him curious looks, but no one stared. He was about to think that was unusual but then again, the one called "Aka" just shot one of them into the lake. They no doubt saw a lot more interesting things than a green-skinned person. He spotted Bulla by the window and there was a lot of room as she used a capsule to make a fridge pop up. Eager for food because of their Saiyan stomachs, Goten and Trunks waved and ran off.

Aka smiled as they walked up, "I recognize you from a photo Videl showed me. Gohan, right?" she held out her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Goten and Videl talk a lot about you."

"Gohan it is and it is a pleasure to meet you as well, Aka-san," Gohan chuckled, not surprised his little brother spoke about him.

"Why do your students call you Aka when that isn't your name?" Piccolo asked bluntly.

"You're straight to the point, aren't you?" Aka smirked and her forest-green eyes gleamed, "I like the mystery, and also, it gives me a sense of safety and those who I give my name to a sense of honor. I'm sure Videl has explained I don't give my name out lightly."

Gohan stepped between them, "Yes, she did, actually. She also feels really honored your felt so highly of her to tell her your name. I hope to get to know you well enough to know it, too!"

Piccolo used his index finger only to push Gohan back to the side, "You have Videl, why are you being so close to this woman?"

"I was just being friendly!"

"If you say so."

"You don't believe me?"

"No."

"Some mentor you are," Gohan folded his arms.

"Ex-mentor, Kid." Piccolo sighed but his attention was caught when Aka took a step towards him.

Aka had curiosity all over her features, "You taught Gohan to fight?"

Piccolo's eyes widened at the fact she was invading his "personal bubble" as a lot of Gohan's friends called it. Yet, he wasn't offended by it and didn't step away like he usually did. He finally allowed himself to take her in. Her hair now it wasn't swaying to her fighting movements hung to her waist. Her shoulders were high instead of slumped down, her back was straight and she held her head with a sense of pride and self-confidence. She had a slim waist, accented by the form-fitting green shirt with white butterflies all over it. It was then he figured out that unlike the other "martial art" training buildings he had encountered there wasn't anyone in the entire room who had on a colored belt or a Gi. They all instead had clothes they would wear on a regular day out on the town.

Aka giggled, "I'm glad you're observant, but I would like an answer. If you don't mind I would also like to know your name."

"Why should I tell you my name if you won't give out your own?" Piccolo once again looked her over. She was two head shorter than he was, maybe shorter, so that put her at least 5ft to his 7ft 2. He took in how her Capri pants hugged her thighs and where her hips were supposed to be. She obviously had none. Still, her shape gave that illusion. When his eyes met hers, he huffed, "Yes, I did train the Kid. He was a spoiled brat when I met him but I quickly turned him into a seasoned fighter." He caught Gohan's tongue when he stuck it out at him, "He still can be a brat, sometimes, though," he sent a playful glare at Gohan who returned it.

"Leck meh goweh!" Let me go! Gohan flailed his arms, not wanting to pull or grip Piccolo's hand, even though the Namek would never hurt him. When Piccolo did as he asked he kept his hand over his mouth.

Aka laughed heartily, "I'm very glad to see you two have such a good friendship. You just do not see that around anymore."

"You should meet my other friends, then!" Gohan said happily, "We like to play around with each other a lot."

Piccolo rolled his eyes, "You forget that about half of our group tend to stay on a more serious note."

"That's just you and Vegeta," Gohan was going to stick his tongue out again but thought better of it, but huffed when Piccolo smirked.

"Tien and Choutsu also ask me about fighting and meditating matters," Piccolo added when Gohan was about to protest, "Bulma and Chichi do not count."

Aka bristled, "Bulma of Capsule Corp and Chichi the daughter of the Ox King? They…"

"Are mothers, that is why I do not count them among our group. Before Bulma had Trunks and Bulla I did count her in because she was very helpful," Piccolo stated calmly.

Aka blinked then smiled, "That makes sense. Forgive me for jumping to conclusions."

Piccolo was quiet for a moment then shrugged, "Gohan mentioned that was a touchy issue around here, so I understand."

Gohan's jaw dropped, "You…!"

"I what, Gohan?" Piccolo narrowed his eyes.

"N-Never mind," Gohan swallowed thickly. He felt like a five year old again when Piccolo gave him that look and used his name like that.

"You really grilled that into him, didn't you?"

Piccolo was caught off guard, "What do you mean?"

Aka chucked, "I haven't heard you use his name before now, and he became petrified when you gave him that dangerous look," she shifted from a casual stance with her arms at her sides to having her arms around her waist and her eyes no longer looked right at him, something he had grown accustomed to in the short time he had been there.

Piccolo stiffened even though only Gohan caught it. He was glad his student didn't do anything to alert his predicament. Could it be possible that this woman had been…what was the term Gohan taught him…turned on by his dangerous side? Or was in simply danger she was attracted to? After pondering it, he figured out that no human male stench clung to her. She was completely pure, like the children.

He decided, then, that if giving this strange creature his name would earn him one step closer to figure her out, he would do so. He would play by her rules and find out her name, then dive deeper if there was still a challenge, "My name is Piccolo."

Aka blinked in surprise but then she relaxed and grinned, "It's a pleasure to have met you, Piccolo. I suppose you gave in because you saw the challenge."

Piccolo smirked, "You are observant yourself."

"Thank you. I invite you to stay; since it is Friday it'll only be another few hours before everyone goes home," Aka put on some black fingerless gloves as she said this.

"I'd love to, but I promised Videl I'd spend the day with her and Pan," Gohan smiled, "I just wanted to meet you."

Aka nodded, "In that case, go spend time with Videl." She smiled as Gohan bowed before taking off. She turned to Piccolo, "What about you, will you stay?"

Piccolo smirked, "It'll give me a chance to learn more about you and the way you fight."

"I'll do my best not to disappoint you, then," Aka smirked.

The challenge had begun.