Goten: *He tilts his head, noticing the sudden change in her mood.* Melody?
Is everything okay?
Melody: *She waved her hand dismissively.* Oh, it’s nothing.
Just tired from all the excitement.
Goodnight, Goten.
As Melody turned to leave, an inexplicable ache settled in both of their chests.
Goten: *He reached out but stopped himself just in the nick of time.* Goodnight, Melody.
See you…
tomorrow.
The next day, at the old training grounds.
Melody *She threw a rapid series of punches at Goten.* Come on, Goten.
I know you can do much better than that!
*She taunted him.*
Goten: *He dodged, his tail swishing behind him.* Hey, I’m just warming up.
Watch this!
As their fists collide, a surge of energy crackles between them, more intense than moments before.
Melody: *She stumbled back, barely losing her footing, gasping for air.* Whoa!
It’s getting stronger!
Goten: *He stared down at his hands, then back up at Melody.* Yeah, it’s like…
our energies are resonating or something.
This is insane!
Melody: Let’s try it again.
*She stepped closer to her sparring partner.* Maybe if we focus on it, we might be able to control the output better.
As they prepared themselves to continue, a cheerful voice called out from nearby.
Valese: *She waved happily as she approached the training grounds.* Goten!
There you are!
I’ve been looking everywhere for you.
Goten: V-Valese?
*His eyes widened, tail drooped slightly.* What are you doing here?
Valese: *She looked between Goten and the stranger.* I wanted to surprise you with a picnic, silly.
But…
who’s this?
Melody: *She forced a smile, her sinking lower then the ground beneath her feet.* I’m Melody.
Nice to meet you, Valese.
Goten’s told me…
a lot about you.
*She lied through her teeth.*
Goten: Uh, yeah!
*He rubbed the back of his neck, tail twitching nervously.* Valese this is Melody.
She’s a…
friend of the family.
We were just training.
Valese: *She clapped her hands together in delight.* Oh, how fun!
I’ve never seen Goten train before.
He’s always so secretive about it!
Melody: *She takes a step backwards.* You know what?
I just remembered I have…
something to do.
You two enjoy your picnic.
Goten: Wait, Melody!
*He reached out to touch her.* We weren’t finished with our…
uh…
training.
Melody: *She shook her head.* It’s okay, Goten.
We can continue another time.
Have fun with Valese.
As Melody walked away, the air around her crackled with suppressed energy and bottled-up emotion.
Valese: *She tugged at her boyfriend’s arm.* Come on, Goten!
I’ve made your favorite sandwiches.
Let’s find a nice spot to set up for our picnic.
Goten: *He looked away from Valese towards Melody’s retreating form.* Yeah…
sure, Valese.
That sounds…
great.