Evening slowly fell over Capsule Corp, letting the sky turn orange and then deep blue. After training, the courtyard was a patchwork of craters and shattered rocks, but the air was strangely calm. The Saiyans had retreated to their rooms to rest, and only the occasional echo of laughter or distant discussions broke the silence.
Bulma, Mai, and Panchy remained outside, sitting on the steps leading to the lab, each holding a cup of hot tea. The light from the windows behind them cast a golden glow that contrasted with the night.
Bulma stared at the sky, her legs crossed, her hair still a little disheveled. "You know," she said suddenly, "All that strength, that anger, and yet... they almost seem human."
Panchy smiled slightly, stroking the cup. "Almost, yes. But look at them... even when they fight, there's something pure. It's like they live only to improve themselves. He reminds me of someone."
Bulma glanced at her sideways, immediately realizing who she was referring to. "Mom, please..."
"Oh, don't deny it," Panchy laughed softly. "Since he's been here, you've changed. Mai's noticed too, right?"
Mai, who had remained silent until then, barely looked up. Her eyes, reflected in the tealight, were bright but calm. "Yes," she replied simply. "She's changed. And not just her."
Bulma turned to her. "What do you mean?"
Mai lowered her gaze. "You too. Even Panchy and me..."
A thick silence fell between the three of them. Panchy stared at Mai with an expression that blended sweetness and a hint of nostalgia. Bulma, on the other hand, tried to understand the girl's words, but deep down she knew she was right.
Panchy finished her tea, then slowly stood up, stretching her shoulders. "You know, I think you two should get some rest."
"A little? It's almost midnight," laughed Bulma.
"Exactly," her mother replied, patting her on the shoulder. Then she looked at Mai, who was still sitting there, staring blankly. "And you, honey, are you going to stay here and think, or are you going to talk to him?"
Mai stiffened. "W-with who?"
Panchy smiled slightly. "Who are you thinking about? He's still out, you know? Training alone. It's an opportunity."
Bulma looked at her, then at her mother. There was a silent exchange, one that didn't need words. Panchy gave her a small nod.
Bulma stood slowly, setting her cup down by the steps. "Good night, Mai," she said, turning away. "Mommy and I are going to sleep. You... do what you want."
Mai stared at her, confused. "Wait, I—"
But Panchy interrupted her with a motherly smile. "Sometimes you don't need to think too much, dear. Just... go."
And with that advice, mother and daughter disappeared into the house, leaving her alone.
Silence returned to the garden, broken only by the wind swaying the leaves and the distant sound of a wave of energy dissipating.
Mai remained still for a few seconds, then looked up. There, in the center of the courtyard, Buu was still floating in midair, his eyes closed, a faint aura of golden light enveloping his body. He was just... concentrating.
Mai took a deep breath, then made up her mind. She descended the steps, her footsteps light on the grass. Each step was a beat stronger than the last, until she was close enough to feel the warmth of his energy on her skin.
He opened his eyes slowly and looked at her. A smile, small but sincere, touched her lips.
"Mai," he said softly. "Can't you sleep?"
She shook her head, avoiding his gaze. "No. Not really."
A moment of silence. Then he slowly lowered his head, floating until he touched the ground in front of her. "Then stay with me for a while."
The wind stopped blowing, as if the night itself had held its breath.
Author here: I think it's time. If you want to support me, you can do so here [email protected]/KuroGlitch (a=@) and no, don't worry, the story and everything else will remain free, I have no intention of cash block anyone lol.