"We'll get back to you on that…" Gohan said with a slight sweat. Vegeta folded his arms, glaring at the obviously out of place woman. She gripped her side. Her wounds were healed but her clothing was still torn and stained.
"Alright… I'll be back then." She shrunk a bit under the harsh gaze. Piccolo turned his face away from her and continued their conversation while she stepped away to let them decide. Vegeta frowned and watched her leave before continuing.
"Surely Goku should take this burden. He was the one who damaged her." He huffed. Goku shook his head.
"No, I'm busy with my own training. And Gohan is busy with Videl and Goten." Goku said, gesturing between himself and his son.
"We don't even know what she is or what she can do." Piccolo sighed.
"But we owe her," Goku said.
"You owe her." Vegeta corrected. Goku wouldn't budge on his point. Vegeta and Piccolo grumbled. It was left to the two of them. They glanced at each other and locked in silent debate. Their sharp glares could cut stone. Jaws tightened. Veins are defined on their brow with effort. The women left to take care of their own devices casting a curious look at the pair. To answer, Goku gave a simple shrug.
"Fine, I'll do it." Piccolo sighed, rubbing his temple. Vegeta chuckled with his usual air of arrogance.
"Hopefully she's a fast learner?" Gohan offered. Piccolo nodded but didn't add anything to the sentiment. The group split. The party was a bust and Goten was less than happy about it. They'd have to make it up to him later, or rather his parents would have to. Piccolo walked the halls of the Briefs home looking for the rouge woman. He couldn't pinpoint her ki anywhere and began to wonder what exactly she was. She didn't look like any creature he had heard of. Her timid tail, however, gave him the bitter taste of familiarity. Piccolo paused and scanned his surroundings. He was near the garden. Tarine sat within, looking at the flowers so meticulously cared for.
Piccolo stepped up behind her without alerting her. Her clawed fingers grazed the silk petals of the flowers. She was careful not to harm the delicate things. He watched her for a moment. A small crest with pointed horns stuck out from her curtain of lavender hair. Piccolo shook his head and escaped his thoughts. There is a matter at hand, but he couldn't help the bad feeling that lingered.
"Hey!" Piccolo sharply snapped. Tarine flinched, her tail sweeping at his legs as she stood. Not expecting the swipe, he tripped and staggered backward. She moved away from the flowers and pulled all her limbs close to her body to keep herself in check. Her tail wrapped around her leg. Her body was stiff as she stood at attention.
"Oh, I-I'm so sorry." She said in a small squeak. Piccolo took a short breath and gathered his nerves.
"No matter. We've decided I'll be your teacher." He informed her as he folded his arms. Piccolo glanced at her burns. They almost blended in on her skin, "when you get your arm." He added. Tarine hesitated before offering a respectful and short bow.
"Right. I'm excited to learn," she straightened and raised a brow, "do I call you Master or something? Sensei?" She laughed a bit, tilting her head. Piccolo frowned which put a stop to Tarine's laughter altogether. She looked away and cleared her throat. Humour wasn't going to get her very far.
"Just Piccolo," he turned to leave the garden, "until then you can get to know everyone. You'll probably be seeing a lot of them." Piccolo returned to the halls. He had no more business here. Not until she was prepared to fully commit to her training. Piccolo tightened his jaw, 'Goku, you really owe me for this.'
The morning in the valley was extremely chilled. Frost rested on the grass. Light ice dusting the ground beneath Piccolo as he meditated in his usual cross-legged, floating state. The air was still despite the cold. The ki far in the distance hadn't made its appearance since yesterday. He was relieved it was gone, though he continued to dwell on it.
After full morning meditation, Piccolo stretched and decided to check on Tarine's status. The sooner they got started, the sooner they'd be done. He rolled his neck and shot off towards the city. The frost ran until the city limits where there was little vegetation to cling to. There weren't many people milling below until he reached his destination.
Tarine was testing out her arm on the nearby trees. Her rags were replaced with a dark crop top and a pair of baggy pants. She moved slowly, entirely unsure of her attacks. That would have to be ironed out first. Piccolo landed and looked her over as he approached. She was fighting but he couldn't read any ki on her. An android perhaps? But she appeared organic when she was injured. Her ear flicked as she glanced at him. Lowering her arms and straightening her back.
"Didn't expect you here so early…" She said.
"Early? This is nothing. You'll begin training before the sun rises regularly," Piccolo said, studying the tree she abused. The bark was cracked, but it was otherwise unharmed, "looks like we have a long way to go." Tarine followed his gaze and pursed her lips.
"Yeah, I can't get used to this thing…" She muttered. Her hand whirred quietly as the fingers bent and stretched. The exposed metal shone in the sunlight rather conspicuously and the fingers were filed to dangerous needle points. It was a certified weapon. Surprising, coming from Bulma. Tarine pocketed her hands and stared at her feet.
"We'll have to work on that while we work through basics. Let's go." He said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Tarine's tail grazed the dirt as she nodded. He took the lead and rose into the air, waiting only a moment for Tarine to follow him to the valley.