The switcheroo had managed to placate Videl but very briefly. Her speaking to Gohan when Saiyaman was in action had thrown her and she didn't bother Gohan for a few days. Instead her attention was turned to Tai. Despite the pure blooded saiyans derisive attitude toward her, she continued to pester him. Just as she was doing at that very moment. School had just finished, so Tai and Gohan walked to the roof. To avoid suspicion they had the conversation telepathically.

"This would all be solved if I vaporised her," Tai huffed.

"Come on don't be like that," Gohan smiled.

"Shut up, this is all your fault."

"No it isn't."

"Yeah it is."

"How?"

"... It just is,"

"It's not so fun when you're the one squirming now is it?" Gohan smirked.

"No earthling can make me squirm."

"Maron," the response made Tai punch Gohan's arm.

"She's seen me speak to Saiyaman, so why is she on my tail? Unlike you I've given her no reason to suspect me of anything."

"You mean besides your freakish athleticism, and strength. 18's punch caused a minor storm and you brushed it off like it was nothing. That sorta thing probably put you on her radar."

"Them being weak shouldn't make me a suspect. Maybe if they didn't foolishly abandon ki they..."

"Yes but they didn't Tai," Gohan interrupted, "Aren't you the one who always tells me to get a grip and accept reality. You should take your own advice."

Tai could only mutter curses under his breath, since he knew Gohan had a point. In reality losing Videl wasn't going to be difficult. All they had to do was walk into the rush of students leaving school, and getting intentionally lost in the shuffle. But even going to such lengths annoyed Tai.


The next day

"Bye Erasa."

"Bye, cutie," she said before kissing her little brother on the cheek. The little boy ran past the primary school fountain toward his friends. She couldn't help but smile at her rapidly growing little brother. "He's growing up so fast."

Memories of her playing with her baby brother flooded her mind, clouding her sight. She was so lost in her own mind that she didn't notice that she was headed toward an open road. She snapped to reality when her foot couldn't feel anticipated ground, realising that she had just stepped over the curb. The blonde resigned herself to falling into the street until she was suddenly jerked backwards. Proceeded by a car whizzing right past her her head would have been.

She looked up toward what had stopped her fall and was surprised to see it was the Great Saiyaman. "Thanks Saiyaman, I was a gonner."

"Do you have a death wish?" Saiyaman grunted.

Erasa cocked an eyebrow looking at the super hero. I don't think that Saiyaman is this tanned. Once Saiyaman felt she had her bearings he let her go. "Watch where you're going or you'll be splattered on the street," he warned before taking off. He definitely wasn't this grumpy either.

The rest of her journey was uneventful, and since she had to drop her brother off, she was the first person in homeroom. To her surprise Videl was there and she was chatting with Gohan. They were sat far from the entrance so they didn't notice her arrival. Videl was asking about some physics problem that had been bothering her and he was explaining it to her.

I decided to sit away from them and let them have their moment. Videl was scooting closer to Gohan so she could understand what he was saying better and Gohan to his credit didn't seem to mind. Even when she was leaning against him, she crime fighter even looked comfortable, instead of apprehensive or annoyed like she would be with Sharpener. Good for you Vi, maybe if you don't act like such a crazy stalker he'll ask you out.

Once again, lost in her own world where her best friend married the spiky haired teen and they were happy together she didn't notice the door behind her open. What she did notice was the familiar smell of her perfume breeze past her. The same perfume that she made with ingredients from the sacred land of Korin. She looked to see who it was that had that scent and was surprised to see Tai.

Erasa's head was spinning, putting the pieces together as to why he would smell like a perfume she makes herself. I thought that Gohan was Saiyaman and he flew hear after I met him on his patrol. I'm 90% sure that he is Saiyaman, that's why I covered him in my perfume. But Tai has that scent now. What is going on?


The hallways were a flush with brand new faces, some were too young to be students and a lot were definitely too old. Upon seeing this Tai had opted to remain in his classroom until the hustle and bustle died down. Videl, Gohan and Erasa had stayed behind as well for the same reasons, but the blonde once again left them to their own devices and sat away from them and Tai. Good she's learning. Finally an earth woman with something between her ears.

Meanwhile, Videl was busy venting to Gohan about her father while the demi-saiyan listened intently. "It's like all he does is look for the next notch on his bedpost. I mean they've been split up for 2 years now but at least have some respect for the room he shared with my mum," she ranted.

"Sounds rough, I couldn't imagine my dad being with another woman."

"I just realised I don't know anything about your family. What does your dad do?"

The question caught Tai's attention, a mild pain tapped in his chest at the memory of Goku. Kakarot did the universe the greatest service that anyone could have done. Well he started the process. Trunks finished it. But Kakarot showed that Frieza wasn't invincible and he could be defeated. He helped train mewhen the androids were coming and he even taught me whatever techniques I desired... he was an unbearably soft Saiyan.

Gohan didn't do as good a job at hiding his hurt so Videl was able to catch on the situation. Not willing to allow the awkardness to fester, Tai interjected. "Why are there so many old people and children around?"

This let Videl release the breath she had been holding in unconsciously. "It's careers day at the school. Some of them had to bring their kids since they couldn't find someone to watch them."

Tai's gaze fell upon Gohan who himself just shrugged. "How come we weren't told?"

"If either of you showed up on time you would have heard the announcements," Videl chastised earning a glare from Tai.

"Is your father coming?" Gohan inquired.

"Yeah, actually that's why there's such a fuss outside. Dad told me he just pulled up outside."

Tai grunted nonchalantly at the information. "Classes can't be running with all of this commotion."

"That's right, we're done for the day. This thing is mainly for seniors anyway, we don't need to be here."

Tai's senses rose to action at the sensation of a higher power level. It was rapidly moving in his direction but he didn't know why. It came from the crowd so it was unlikely to be malicious, if it was then it would be tearing apart the crowd and screams would ring through the hallway. Whoever they are they probably know Gohan. Best make a speedy exit.

He picked his bag up and waited beside the door for the mystery person to show up. The closer the person got, the more in focus their power became, and Tai noticed that they were being followed by another weak power level. One that Tai could not recognise. The door burst open with a black haired blur heading straight for Gohan with a brunette labouring behind.

"K-Kakarot?" Tai uttered. So this is the little brother he spoke of. It's pathetic that Chi-Chi would shape his hair to look like Kakarot. 7 years and she still hasn't gotten a grip.

"Gohan!" Goten cheered while running into Gohan's embrace.

"Lime, Goten what are you guys doing here?"

"We're here to see you dummy," Lime said while pulling Gohan in for a hug of her own. Upon noticing the vein threatening to pop out of Videl's forehead, Lime smiled and let Gohan go and introduced herself.

Tai rushed out of the room before they noticed him. He snaked his way out of the room only to bump into another kid that trying to enter the room. The child's power level was also significantly higher than other humans. "Hey watch where you're going," he snapped while rubbing his head.

Tai's eyes grew to the size of the grand canyon when he saw the child's face. Trunks? But he's an adult. No I remember seeing him as an infant. If Kakarot's and Vegeta's offspring are here, then...

The saiyan didn't have to wait long for one of his fears to be confirmed. It was brief but he spotted the features of Capsule Corps president in the centre of the crowd. Her cobalt hair, short frame and undeniable air of authority was there on display. A built in Tai's throat, preventing him from groaning.

"Get out of the way you jerk," Trunks said trying to push Tai out of the way, annoyed that there was someone as physically strong as he was. Tai not really paying attention simply moved out of the way. He was too absorbed in his predicament. I cannot be seen or found, especially not by her.


Tai had telepathically told Gohan to keep his name out of any conversations. The demi-saiyan managed to get Goten and Trunks out of the room as quickly as possible, and even spoke to Bulma in the hallway. Should anyone have used his full name, Bulma would have immediately recognised it as saiyan which would have been a problem. Tai for his part kept his power level very low so Goten and Trunks wouldn't seek him out, but this significantly reduced his mobility. Consequently he had to hide underneath the bleachers until everything blew over. This is humiliating. Me a powerful saiyan warrior having to hide from mortals. have masked their power levels so I can't use instant transmission. Probably payback for destroying the Lookout.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he sensed Gohan flying away to fight crime as Saiyaman with the two kids following and Videl lagged far behind. He was certain Erasa wouldn't mention his name to Bulma. The blonde received the hint loud and clear after their last confrontation, she didn't speak to him, and outside of the events in the morning, he didn't interact with her.

Tai looked around to see if there was anything for him to do when he spotted a blonde, little girl standing by the bleachers staring at him.

"What do you want kid?"

"Hey mister, can you get my ball?"

"Get lost!" Tai growled, she'll bring her parents here if she stays too long.

She folded her arms defiantly, "You're mean."

"You're annoying." Tai responded to which she poked her tongue out at him.

"I'm gonna tell my daddy on you."

"I'm shaking in my boots."

"He's a policeman and he's super strong. He'll kick your butt."

She spun on her heel and began running toward the crowd. It was only when he saw her profile he noticed that she didn't have a nose. Isn't Cueball a police officer? "Hey kid is your dad bald?"

"No he has really puffy hair"

False alarm, good. "Hn, buzz off."

"I'll get my mummy to do beat you up too, and uncle Yamcha and uncle Oolong too. He'll transform into a giant bat and hit you."

The mention of the former desert bandit and the shape shifting pig made Tai's hair stand up on end. The midget had a kid and with the Microwave of all people. Not to mention Scarface and the Pig are here too. Since when did any of them have jobs? It would be prudent to sense out any familiar power levels in the city or headed towards it... Gohan, Trunks, Goten, Bulma, Scarface, Pig ... crap looks like Cueball is here so I can assume he's with the Refrigerator. Plus Triclops and his Ventriloquist dummy are on their way as well. I can't have any of them search for me or else I'll be discovered.

"If I get you you're damn ball will you leave me alone? And promise not to tell anyone."

She nodded with a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. She pointed to the roof of a near by building. Upon retrieving the ball Tai gave it back to the little girl before shooing her away.

"Bye mister!"

Now painfully aware of the predicament he was in Tai hid back under the bleachers to reflect on the day. I can't use instant transmission to Gohan because he's still with his brother, Trunks and Videl. Piccolo and Dende are masking their energy signatures so I can't go to them. Chichi, Vegeta and the Old Pervert would spot me if I were to use instant transmission so I'm effectively trapped within the city. Flying would raise me energy signature and alert people, and if I move too fast someone will investigate. Best to lay low in here until everyone goes home. Whenever that is.

Tai not one to waste such an opportunity decided to get some training done. Images of his master came to mind as he began to battle him. Even in his wildest imagination he doesn't stand a chance against the man. He isn't even able to land a hit or come close, and his master wasn't breaking a sweat.

The day was passing quickly much to the Saiyans pleasure. The sky dirtied into a brown orange and brilliant yellow, and people were starting to leave. Maybe this won't be as difficult as I thought.

"Oh great!" a female voice scoffed upon seeing Tai.

Tai again chastised himself for not being aware of those around him before addressing Erasa. "Buzz off."

"You're in my spot."

"I don't see your name on it."

Erasa strolled over to where Tai sat and pointed to the writing etched on the metal support, it was a love heart with Erasa's name clear as a cloudless sky, and another name crossed out. "See there it is now leave," she asserted.

Tai took in her posture, the scowl carved onto her face, arms folded tightly over her chest and foot tapping vociferously on the ground. "Hn," Tai responded before returning to his meditative pose.

"Taikon, get up and leave."

Tai stood up and towered over her "Don't use my name."

"You don't listen to me but expect me to listen to you."

"My name is a right that neither you or anyone alive has. You will address me as Tai."

Erasa jabbed her finger into Tai's chest, not breaking eye contact him "And you will leave my spot. I've tried being nice to you but you are impossible. It's like you were raised by rabid wolves. And I am sick of your attitude. So just get out of here and leave me alone."

"You know nothing about my upbringing. You'd be wise never to bring it up again," Tai growled.

"And you know nothing about me. So if you think you're going to tell me what to do you have another thing coming."

"Oh please! You don't even know yourself."

"What!"

"You go around acting like this dumb, blonde ditz but your grades are almost as good as mine. You also pretend to be slow when you are quick. I've seen people like you before and I know they are never to be trusted."

"The teachers know I'm smart and my friends know I'm athletic. And why are you watching me."

"I'm observant, I know that Pencilcase wants you, I know that Marker is taking steroids, Biro is obsessed with Videl and she uses recreational drugs."

She raised her brow "You watch all of us?"

"You're all uninteresting, but still more interesting than what these people call education. Everyone is a liar and no one is to be trusted."

"Except for Gohan?"

"He's not hiding anything from me. He has his secrets from everyone else but he has his reasons."

"And you?"

"I have my secrets and because of that I can't be trusted."

Erasa's head tilted to the side, taking in Tai's expression of seriousness and his constant eye contact she realised he was being honest. "Tai, do you trust anyone?"

"I trust 2 people and 1 is dead, the other is Gohan."

The blondes body language softened considerably at the saiyan's logic. It was alien to her, she could see how such absolutism could help mould someone like Tai. However, at the same time she could see so many flaws with it. "But Tai, you yourself said that Gohan has secrets from everyone else and he has his reasons. Shouldn't you give everyone else the same benefit of the doubt. I have my secrets but to me, the reasons are good."

A frown briefly tugged at the corner of his lip at the response. He turned his head away from her "I... never considered that."

Erasa could just about make out the red outline that stained his cheeks with his head turned away from her. At some point during the exchange Erasa had set herself on the ground near Tai and neither noticed.

"Things aren't always so black and white. Some secrets are necessary and some are pointless and most lie in between," she playfully punched his arm.

That action brought Tai back in touch with his surroundings, and he realised the closeness between them. "Why are you this close to me."

"Why are you still in my spot?" she wriggled her eyebrows, wearing a knowing smirk. Looking at her then brought a sharp pain in his chest that disappeared as quickly as it came. Tai hadn't taken much stock of her face since meeting her, and it just dawned on him how attractive she was. Her sulphur blue eyes, petit nose, shaply lips, lightly defined cheekbones and every other inch of her face were being absorbed. My heart is beating faster... why?

"You know this isn't the first time I've caught you staring at my face," her smirk turned into a stunning grin and Tai's heart continued to race at her mere presence.

"Fine, you can have this spot," Tai rushed, getting up to leave. Only Cueball and the Blender are still in the city, I should be able to move freely now.

Erasa's grin dimmed slightly but she caught herself, "Great now get lost," she ordered, causing a vein to pop out of Tai's forehead but he thought better of it.

Maybe now my heart will stop racing. The pair thought at the same time.