My Life's Stranger Than Yours

Miniature Mystery; The Kidnapper Revealed

Gohan stared aghast at Erasa following her shocking declaration. "What…what do you mean Videl's been kidnapped!? Erasa, what happened!?"

"This weird guy showed up and then turned into some kind of monster! We went to the mall, then he showed up, challenged Videl to a fight and then…!"

"Whoa, whoa, slow down!" Gohan eased. "One step at a time Erasa. First let's get you out of…whatever this…thing is…and then start from the beginning."

Taking a breath to calm herself, Erasa nodded her approval as Gohan got busy undoing her bindings. Moments later, when she was finally free, she began recounting their encounter with Videl's kidnapper.

Erasa recalled how she and Videl were approached by an attractive guy who wanted Videl to accompany him somewhere. She then told of the battle between the two. At first it seemed Videl had a clear advantage, but all that changed with a single sneak attack. The mention of a light piercing through Videl's shoulder drew worried intrigue from Gohan. The same could be said with the mention that after that little incident, the boy started to fly. The aura however took a major nosedive once Erasa told what happened next.

"So after that, Videl knocked the guy into the water and after we were about to get set to go home and get Videl patched up, a giant freaky monster pops out of the water!"

"Monster?"

[Moments ago]

Videl and Erasa stood frozen in shock and fear as from the demure lake rose a giant, hairy creature of chimeric proportions. A large primate body with the head of a steer, white wings protruding from it's back coupled with a whole set of tentacles and a long, scaly looking tail. As the beast landed, his eyes fell squarely on Videl who gave a quick retreat order before leaping away from the monster's giant, descending fist.

"Erasa, call Gohan NOW!" Videl flew aside as the giant beast swatted at her, narrowly avoiding him.

"R-right…!" Still spooked by the shocking transformation, Erasa fumbled trying to pull her phone out. "Got it!"

At Erasa's declaration, the giant creature turned his attention to the fearful blonde who instinctively dashed away. In a move that surprised both girls, the winged fiend pointed two fingers towards Erasa. Anticipating another energy attack, Videl hastily threw herself in the path of the creature's gaze crossing her arms defensively.

Surprisinly, it wasn't a beam of light that shot from the beast's fingers, but a wave of black liquid.

"Waaagh…!?"

Caught off guard by the unorthodox projectile, Videl was pushed back as she was subsequently blinded by the black sludge. As she quickly tried to wipe her face clean, Videl shrieked out as she was grabbed by the massive, furry paw and fiercely squeezed.

"Gaaaagh…! Let me…go!"

The bull-faced demon snickered before granting Videl her request, by raising her up high before tossing her groundward right towards the scampering Erasa.

"Waaaaagh…!

"Kyyaaaa-!"

A loud thud echoed throughout as Videl collided into Erasa and the pair rolled into a nearby tree. Erasa removed herself from a woozy Videl before letting out a distressed cry as she viewed her now shattered cell phone. Her distress would be shortened by the winged fiend looming over them.

"Videl, get up! We've got to…KYAAA-!"

Erasa shrieked as one of the creature's long, slimy appendages snaked down before wrapping around Erasa's midsection and reeling her in. The buxom blonde could only squeal in terror as she was hoisted skyward above the monster's bull-like head.

"Whazzat-?"

"Videl, HEEEEELP!"

"Erasa…?" Glancing back to her large opponent, Videl swiftly shook the dizziness off from it's last attack before glaring daggers at the thing. "Hey!" Dashing back, Videl leapt into the air before zooming straight towards it. "Let go of her you freak!"

The chimeric figure punched at Videl who somersaulted over the deadly blow before scampering up the monster's hairy arm. Instinctively, he swatted at her as if she were an insect, and again she evaded. At his second attempt, Videl flipped over his attacking arm before bounding off his shoulder right for Erasa.

"Sweet moves girl but…!"

"I know, I'll have you out in a sec!" Raising her hand, Videl's palm began to glow. With a single fierce palm strike, the tentacle uncoiled releasing Erasa, and earning a screechy wince from the monster. As Videl floated Erasa safely to the ground, the steer-faced stooge let out an irritated growl before diving straight for the girls.

Videl once again took evasive action, swaying away from the massive menace, though the dangling Erasa nearly got grazed by his horns.

"Gyegh! Videl, you gotta move faster!"

'I could if I didn't have all this extra weight slowing me down…but I can't just drop her.'

"Mmmoooooooooogh!"

"Gah-!"

The chimera ascended, striking at the girls with a raised fist. Videl once again managed to dodge, but it was obvious she couldn't keep this up while carrying Erasa. Sadly, they were still too far up for her to safely release her and the creature was coming back for a third attempt.

Summoning as much energy as she could, Videl finally divebombed towards the ground, the monster in hot pursuit. 'I need to time this just right!' Determination was etched on Videl's face as the ground grew closer and closer.

"Uhhh Videl…you might wanna slow down a little?"

Erasa's suggestion was ignored as the rush of the wind grew ever more intense with Videl's descent. "Videl!"

As the monster pursued the duo, he finally went for the long range and lashed out his tentacles at the two girls.

"VIDEEEL!"

"Now!"

Twisting into a spin, Videl swung Erasa around before tossing her out of the monster's trajectory. They were close enough to the ground where Erasa, while still banged up, would be fine taking the fall. Speaking of falling, Videl was still being chased by the giant fiend, but was a step ahead. Taking a page from a certain young Saiyan, Videl fired a small ki blast to lthe ground, using it's momentum to bounce herself aside, opposite the direction she threw Erasa.

'Okay, now that Erasa's out of harm's way maybe now I can finally call-!'

SPROING!

As Videl looked down to her comm watch, she turned back to see her giant foe darting after her in a swift rush. In a brilliant display of mimicry, the giant beast outstretched his tentacles and used his momentum to bounce himself off the ground right in Videl's direction. With the extra exertion needed to pull off the maneuver, the chimera was able to launch himself much harder and faster, speedily catching up to Videl and subsequently tackling her, full bodied.

"Gyaaaagh-!"

SMAAASH!

The pair collided into the side of the rocky road, Videl crushed between her opponent's immense weight. She wasn't the only one to take a hit as the creature slammed his head into the rock as well, stunning himself. A now unconscious Videl fell out from between the crevice in the rock wall, landing with a thud as her watch fell off her wrist.

The chimera soon regained consciousness, looking down at the defeated girl. As he finally picked up his quarry, he glanced aside towards the source of a small, panicked whimper. There he saw a quivering Erasa retreating as he approached her. Though she was only minorly injured from being thrown by Videl, she'd yet to fully recover from her harsh tumble, and after witnessing Videl get practically mauled, by that giant thing, needless to say she was too terrified to even try running. With his massive hand reaching towards her, all she could do in defiance was let out a shrill, ear-piercing holler.

[]

"After that, he tied me up, stuck me in Videl's plane, then threw it all the way back to the city…you know the rest…"

While Erasa took the moment to try and compose herself, Gohan began mentally reviewing the notes of Erasa's story. Though most of it sounded rather outlandish but not too crazy by the Z-Gang's standards, there was one detail about the story that just irritated him. Intending to press for more details, Gohan turned back to Erasa but held his tongue when he viewed her current state.

The usually cheerful blonde was curled up beside the hull of the plane, shaking like a leaf in the wind. Despite her best attempts at keeping calm, Erasa just couldn't keep herself from trembling. Her jitters would briefly subside as Gohan placed a hand on her shoulder. "You've been through quite a lot today, haven't you?"

"That's a real understatement."

After putting his helmet back on, Gohan helped Erasa back on her feet. "Come on, I'll take you home. After all this, you should probably get some rest."

"How can I rest when my best friend just got kidnapped by some giant, weird…thingy!? I want to at least do something to help her…especially after I just got captured and froze up at the end…"

"Don't beat yourself up over that. You're not a fighter like we are. No one expected you to be a day saver."

"I know…but I still wanna help some way!"

"You've already helped by just telling me the story, but if you're that determined to keep helping, then I'll need you to answer a question or two more. I know you probably don't want to relive that whole mess, but if I'm right, then the info you give me could be crucial."

A sudden burst of resolve shining through, Erasa nodded vigorously. "If it means saving Videl, I'll answer even more than just '20 Questions'."

Gohan responded in kind with his own affirmatory nod. "Okay then. My first question is, which way did the monster go?"

Erasa merely pointed in the direction opposite her deathly flight and Gohan faced it. Closing his eyes, Gohan opened his senses, attempting to feel Videl's energy. After a short moment of silence, he grunted in contention. 'No good, I can't sense her energy at all. She must be unconscious or something. Looks like we're going in blind.'

"Dammit…"

"What's wrong?"

"Can't explain how, but I was trying to find Videl just now. Sadly it didn't work."

"Oh."

"Don't worry, I will find her…somehow. In the meantime," Gohan placed his helmet back on before hovering. "I need you to come with me."

"Where are we going?"

"We need to relay this information to someone very important and…" a bead of sweat rolled down Gohan's forehead. "I think I'll need some moral support."

"Moral support?"

[A few moments later]

"Videl is WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!? I DON'T BELIEVE THIS! HOW ON EARTH COULD SHE GET TAKEN SO EASILY!? WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU DOING!? WHAT KINDA SUPERHERO LETS HIS GIRL GET KIDNAPPED!? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!"

'So this is what Gohan meant…'

A shaken Erasa shrank as she witnessed Gohan receiving a verbal lashing by Mr. Satan. On the way to the manor, Gohan noted that leaving Mr. Satan out of the loop here was probably not a good idea. Upon delivering the bad news, his reaction was about what one would expect of hearing that their daughter's been kidnapped. To her surprise, Gohan just stood there and took every swear and insult, completely unmoving. Finally, Mr. Satan ended his furious rant, panting as sweat poured down his face.

Stepping forth, Gohan placed a hand on Satan's shoulder. "Feel better now?"

Taking a few breaths, Mr. Satan replied, "Yeah…yeah. It's all outta my system." Finally, the quelled champ slumped down on a nearby cushioned chair, before quickly being joined by Bee who seemed to have a concerned look on his face. "Sorry for snappin' at ya son but…"

"Don't worry, I get it. Believe me, I feel the same way, but this isn't the time to get mad. Right now we need to remain levelheaded," Gohan clenched his fist, an electrifying spark coating his hand, "But the time to take action will come soon enough."

"Well said Gohan!" As Mr. Satan scratched the loyal dog's head, Erasa finally stepped up with a regretful expression.

"This is my fault. If I hadn't gotten so bent out of shape about her disappearing all the time…"

Once again, Gohan put a hand on the distressed girl's shoulder. "Don't blame yourself Erasa. You did nothing wrong. If what you told me back in the plane was true, then whoever this kidnapper was might've tried going after Videl anyway. You just happened to be together at the time."

"What? What'd she tell you?" urged Mr. Satan.

Gohan relayed a cliff notes version of what Erasa told him earlier to Mr. Satan, earning a panicked look from the afroed champ. Darting to Gohan, Satan grabbed him by the shoulders, vigorously shaking him. "DID YOU SAY TENTACLES!?"

"Uhhh…yeah…?"

"Gohan, you've gotta get Videl back YESTERDAY! Do you have any idea what kinda things freaks with tentacles do with girls her age!?"

"Uhhhh…?"

Silencing Mr. Satan's spiel, Erasa swiftly clamped a hand over his mouth and whispered, "I don't think he does, and I think it should stay that way."

With a small nod, Mr. Satan released Gohan and recomposed himself, clearing his throat. "I uh…apologize for that outburst. I'm calm now."

"Pardoning Mr. Satan here, the problem is we don't know where they went," Gohan defended.

"Can't you just find her with your weird energy mind scan whatchacallit?"

Erasa could only glance in confusion as Gohan nodded. "If you mean sense her energy, I already tried. Wherever she is, her energy's too low for me to pinpoint."

"What's that mean?"

"Well…to keep it brief, I think her energy's so low is because she's unconscious. Naturally the only thing we can do at the moment is wait for her to wake up but…"

"You wanna sit here and wait!? Even if she is knocked out cold like ya said, who knows when she'll wake up!? Not to mention what that octo-bull-flyin' whatever freak could do to her in that time?"

"Mr. Satan, please calm down! Despite the situation, I think I may actually have a lead."

"What?"

"Really!? That fast!?"

Gohan nodded. "There was one part of your story that caught my attention, though I didn't know why, but then I remembered something. Erasa, you said the monster appeared when Videl knocked the other guy into the water, right?"

"What other guy?"

"Oh! You mean the hot jerk? Yeah. Videl kicked him into the lake, and then the monster popped out. I didn't see him come out of the water and I don't think the monster took him either so unless he drowned, he might've run away while it was chasing and fighting Videl."

Gohan's eyes narrowed. 'I see…in that case…maybe I AM right!' Rematerializing his costume, Gohan darted for the exit, the others chasing after him.

"Hey wait! Gohan, where do you think you're goin' boy!?" called Mr. Satan.

"Let's just say I've got a hunch, and if I'm right, then I might know a couple of people who can give us some more info about this 'kidnapper', maybe even help us find Videl!"

Bursting out the front door, Gohan immediately blasted into the sky and jetted off. As the two bystanders watched him exit, a yawning Majin Buu strolled in. "Good morning! Breakfast?"

Mr. Satan could only clench his fist before snapping back to Buu. "I'll feed ya quickly Buu, but when you're done, we're goin' out cause we got a situation!"

[Moments later]

"Would you quit dodging and fight!?" shouted a stern female voice. In typical fashion around the Tendo Dojo, Akane was throwing blow after blow at a nonchalant Ranma who easily evaded her strikes while reading a manga.

"Hmm? You say somethin' Akane?"

"Would you get serious!?" Launching a harsh uppercut, Akane knocked the book out of Ranma's hands earning a look of light ire.

"Well…guess I'll never know how that story's endin'."

Despite his 'distraction' being gone, Ranma continued to glide around Akane's attacks, all the while their fathers watched on in neutral interest.

"You know Saotome, it's quite the rare opportunity to see these two train together without it escalating into an genuine lovers' quarrel."

"Enjoy it while it lasts Tendo. Around these parts, you'll never know when some weirdo will just come falling out of the sky."

In a massive burst of dust and air, a distinctly male figure plummeted in the midst of the Dojo's backyard.

"Told ya?" snarked Genma.

"What in blazes?"

Attracted by the loud noises Nodoka and the remaining sisters quickly darted out back to see the commotion. When the dust finally dispersed, everyone laid eyes on a man clad in green, a red cape, and an orange helmet.

Ranma and Akane quickly recognized the 'intruder' before simultaneously exclaiming, "Gohan!?"

With not even a shred of his usual softness in his voice, Saiyaman turned to the two betrothed and said, "Ranma, Akane, I need your help."

[A few moments later]

"Videl's been KIDNAPPED!?" exclaimed the sisters.

"Oh dear…" added Nodoka.

"I don't believe this…this is terrible!" trembled Akane.

"Well look at the bright side…at least it wasn't you this time," Ranma smirked.

As Ranma snickered he was hastily grasped by the collar and punted out of the living room into the pond. "I know you were thinking it too!" female Ranma called back.

Ignoring the upcoming clash, Soun crossed his arms, a stern expression plastered on his face. "Well Son, this matter is of the utmost urgency, I agree, but I do wonder what purpose you have in coming here, if not simply to inform us. I don't suppose you have any ideas as to who or what could've taken her, do you?"

"Actually Mr. Tendo, a lead I have is exactly why I'm here. A friend of ours got caught in the middle of things and judging from what she told me, I think Videl's kidnapper may be someone with a Jusenkyo curse," Gohan explained.

"A Jusenkyo curse!?" the others exclaimed.

"How can you be so sure?" asked Ranma.

"I'm only going off what I was informed. Apparently, Videl fought someone and happened to knock him into a lake. All of a sudden, some monster appeared and the guy she fought is nowhere to be found. It's not definitive, but that does sound like a Jusenkyo curse to me."

"Wait back up, monster?" asked Akane.

Gohan nodded and everyone sans Nodoka and Kasumi narrowed a skeptical eyebrow. "You wouldn't happen to know what this 'monster' looks like, would you?" asked Genma.

"According to our friend, it was a hairy, bipedal beast with the face of a bull, a snakelike tail, wings, and tentacles."

The skeptical looks of everyone sans Akane turned into dejected sighs while Akane's own expression turned to restrained rage. "Pantyhose Taro."

"Uhhhhh…excuse me?"

"The guy who most likely kidnapped Videl? It's gotta be Pantyhose Taro!" replied Ranma.

Confusion still evident on his face, Ranma gave Gohan a quick rundown of their target, explaining his chimeric curse and his grudge with Happossai. Once all was said and done, Gohan only had one question. "Wait a second, how does an octopus drown when they live underwater? Were the freshwater springs not conditioned to house a saltwater creature?"

"That's your takeaway from everything I just told you!?" exclaimed Ranma.

"Sorry but…something about that just seems a bit too out there for me to ignore, even by my series' standards."

"Eh, I can understand that. Think we've been there before a few times ourselves right?"

"Mmhmm."

"Yup."

"Definitely."

"Getting back on topic here-!" interjected Akane. "We know who kidnapped Videl, but we don't know why he did it or where they are."

"We can beat the why out of him after we find em'!" Ranma palmed her hand.

"Do you know how you're gonna find em'?" asked Nabiki.

"Not yet, but I'll think of something."

"Perhaps I could be of assistance?" interjected a new, raspy, female voice.

All eyes turned to the open door to find a familiar old woman in a witch hat riding on a crystal ball. "Greetings kiddies!"

"Who's the witch?" asked Nabiki.

"Baba!"

"Baba…wait…you don't mean the infamous All-Seeing Crone, do you!?" asked Soun.

"The 'infamous' was unnecessary, but you get points for getting my title right," the elder snickered as she floated in. "I'd love to introduce myself properly, but I believe we have more pressing concerns at the moment."

"But…what are you even doing here?" asked Ranma.

"I'm called 'All-Seeing' for a reason boy…oh sorry, 'girl'," Baba snickered.

A pouty Ranma exited to grab some hot water while Baba continued. "I had a vision that old Videl would find herself in quite the pickle, and so soon after her rather…perilous battle with her previous demons. I figure the least I could do is lend a hand and point you where you lot would need to go, but I am going to have to charge you for this one." Baba slowly turned to Gohan who was briefly lost before realizing her implications.

"Give me a minute," he sighed.

[Meanwhile]

At the outskirts of Satan City, Mr. Satan, Erasa and Buu, followed behind Bee as he frantically sniffed the area around the pond.

"Got anything yet boy?"

The young dog could only whimper as his ears drooped down, de-confirming his success. "Don't sweat it boy, just keep on at it, I'm sure you'll find it soon!" the champ encouraged.

"Rarf!"

Bee continued to sniff around while Erasa and Buu could only spectate, the latter in confusion. "What Bee doing?"

"I'm hoping he'll be able to find Videl's scent and then he'll be able to lead us to her!" Mr. Satan explained.

"Scent?"

"It's a pretty good idea Mr. Satan, but do you think Bee's really up for it? He's still just a puppy, isn't he?" asked an unconvinced Erasa.

"Hey, he may be just a pup, but I'll be darned if he's not the most reliable dog a fella could ask for. Trust me, just give him a few moments and we'll find Videl in no time!"

At that moment, Mr. Satan's phone began to ring. "One moment please." Excusing himself, Mr. Satan instantly exclaimed into the phone, "Look whoever you are, this is gonna have to wait. I'm in the middle of something VERY important at the moment and I'm afraid I don't have time to sponsor whatever…!"

"Mr. Satan it's me, Gohan!"

"Gohan! What is it!? Ya got good news!?"

"Yes. I'm here with someone who can help us find Videl. Thing is, the information won't come free."

Mr. Satan clenched his fist before booming into the phone, "Gohan, all I need is your assurance that this person, whoever they are really CAN tell us where Videl is! If you can guarantee that the info your gettin' is 100% legit, then cost ain't no object! For Videl, no price is too high! You hear me!?"

"Very…loud and clear sir," Gohan replied, shaking out the dinging in his ears. "I'll call you back once we get everything situated."

"Alright!" hanging up the phone, Mr. Satan let out a relieved breath before returning to the others. "Good news guys. That was Gohan on the phone, and apparently he found someone who can tell us where Videl is!"

"Really? Already?"

"I'm just as surprised as you, but if there's one thing I've learned…it's better not to ask any questions. Come on, let's head back to town while we wait for him to call back. I need somethin' to calm ma nerves."

As the Earthlings and Majin began to walk off, Bee quickly chased after them carrying a familiar wristwatch in his mouth.

[At the Tendo Dojo]

"Was that Videl's father?" asked Nodoka. "He seems eccentric."

"Well he is a more…theatrical fighter," added Nabiki. "Still, I can respect the guy for dropping a huge chunk of change to save his daughter."

"Well, then. We'll hash out details later, but that's good enough for me," hopping onto the table, Baba began to wave her arms around the levitating crystal ball. The group all watched in anticipation as a foggy image beginning to form. After another moment of deliberation, it finally revealed itself to be a rocky, cavernous region accompanied by waterfalls.

"I can't pinpoint her exact location, but it seems our girl's been taken to this rocky area towards the northeast," noted Baba.

"Something about that place…seems familiar…" commented Gohan.

"You can have a flashback later buddy, right now, we're on a rescue mission!" exclaimed a returning Ranma.

"Huh?"

"You didn't think you were going alone, did ya?"

"I don't know what Taro's scheme is, but I don't intend to let him get away with this!" Akane sternly added.

"I appreciate your concern guys, but really, I can…"

"Look buddy, you're good. We know you're good, but Pantyhose is dangerous, especially if there's no hot water around." Ranma interrupted. "Hate to admit it, but even I can't beat him one-on-one that easily whenever he transforms, so you're gonna need all the help we can get. Besides…" Ranma pulled Gohan in before whispering in his ear. "…even if I decided not to go, I don't think Akane would let you do this without her, I mean just look."

Turning back to the girl in question, Gohan gazed upon a fierce determination within Akane's eyes, as well as a restrained fury. Seeing he wasn't winning this argument, he shot the pair a nod. "Alright then let's get going."

[Moments later]

The Tendo House patrons watched in awe as The Great Saiyaman shot off into the sky bathed in a white blur, Ranma and Akane in arms. The last thing they saw before the trio blasted away was the flow of his cape and an ever familiar 'ping'.

"I didn't know Gohan was into cosplay," joked Kasumi.

"I don't think you're wrong big sis, but I also don't think that's the case."

While the housemates returned inside, Baba remained outdoors, looking out into the sky. 'Good luck kids, not that you'll really need it. Still, with my part done in all this, we're even over Cologne's little…deception.'

[]

In the skies above Nerima, one Son Gohan narrowed his eyes beneath his visor. 'Hang in there Videl, we're coming for you.'

[Meanwhile]

'What…what happened?'

Light returned to the eyes of a barely conscious , raven-haired girl. Sitting up, she shook her aching head in a daze. When her vision finally cleared she found herself in what looked to be some sort of laboratory inside of a cave.

"Where am I?"

As she tried to pick herself up and process her surroundings, she found herself unable to move her arms.

"Don't bother," said a male voice. "With those restraints, you're going nowhere."

From the shadows stepped forth the unpleasantly familiar face of that green-clad boy, making Videl gasp. "You!" In an instinctual rage, she tried to rush at him, but as soon as she was within a hears breadth from her captor's face, she was halted by something tugging at her leg. Looking down, she found herself shackled to the floor, not to mention her body quickly devoid of energy.

"Like I said, you're going nowhere," he taunted.

Videl continued to struggle against her bindings before finally giving up…for now at least. "Who the hell are you and why did you kidnap me? You know people are going to come for me right?"

"Oh dear girl…or shall I call you Videl?" interjected a new voice. This one was also male, but sounded distinctly higher in pitch. Stepping forth, a ponytailed man in a pink fighter's suit with a mechanical like helmet upon his head stepped forth. "We know a certain fool will come looking for you. In fact, we're counting on it." He sneered.

(A/N: I meant to get this chapter out sooner, but a combination of everyone's BFF writer's block as well as some situations going on IRL kept me out of the right headspace for writing. Regardless, I finally managed to knock this one out of the park. Onto the situation itself, I think only one person guessed correctly back when he was initially teased in Chapter 34, but yep, the mysterious assailant was Pantyhose Taro. I'm a little surprised at how many people didn't get him last Chapter, but glad a lot of you did [Don't know if I made that clear enough last chapter, but I thought the word 'Chimeric' would have been a dead giveaway]. Also, to the one(s) who don't know who the one who unleashed the robots was, all I'm gonna say is 'Read Dragon Ball'. Not Z, not Super, classic Dragon Ball, and I do mean READ [No issues if you wanna watch it instead, just saying, anime has a lot of filler. Some of it actually enhances some things, others just waste time]. I'm sure most of you have already figured it out, but there are a few stragglers, so yeah. As for the fight in the flashback, let's be real. Videl could handle human Taro, but there's no way she's handling his cursed form, even with her recent powering up. Don't worry, she'll get there…eventually[I had to reread Taro's fights in the manga for this one, and I COMPLETELY forgot he could shoot ink from his fingers!] Side note, I actually didn't initially plan to include Baba here but I figured since the mystery would be resolved quickly, the actual SEARCH should be resolved quickly as well, and with no time to just wait around for Videl's energy to reappear on the ol' Ki Radar, well, she made sense. Next time, we'll get a little bit more insight into Pantyhose's reasons for taking Videl as well as his partner's angle in this whole spiel. Stay tuned.)