Over the next few days, every single one of Earth's heroes received a massive power boost.
Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Tien, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Android 18, Majuub, Tami—and yes, even young Pan.
Yet even after all those intense power-ups, the lovebirds remained completely in sync. Goten and Melody stood side-by-side, their energy flowing like a single, synchronized pulse between them. They were stronger, faster, and more connected than ever before. All that relentless training was paying off in spades.
Goten glanced sideways at Melody, catching her gaze. The look in her eyes—determination, focus, and a bright flicker of excitement—mirrored his own perfectly.
Goten: "We've never been this in sync before," *he muttered, almost to himself.*
They looked out over the chaotic training grounds around them. Krillin was holding his own against Piccolo, while off to the left, Trunks was trading heavy blows with Gohan. On a nearby lush green hilltop, Tien and Yamcha were battling it out at full speed.
Goku: *He stepped up to his youngest son and his girlfriend, resting a warm hand on Melody's shoulder.* "We've reached the 24-hour mark. Maybe you two should visit your mother before all war breaks loose."
Melody hesitated—her warrior instincts were telling her to stay, to keep pushing, to stay ready. But Goku was right. This might be her last real chance to see her mother before the fight of their lives.
Melody: *She glanced at Goten, her expression softening.* "...He's not wrong," *she admitted softly, though it pained her to say it out loud.*
It had been so long since she had seen her mom.
Goten: "Alright then," *he muttered, taking Melody's hand in his.* "Let's go."
Jingle Village—a small, snow-covered settlement in the northern region of the world—lay tucked away beneath a thick, white blanket. It had been years since Melody had last set foot here, not since the tournament.
Melody hesitated as their boots touched down in the powdery snow. The familiar scent of fresh pine and crisp, biting cold air washed over her, bringing with it a flood of bittersweet memories. The last time she'd been here, she had been so different—younger, angrier, still desperately trying to figure out who she was.
Now, she was coming back not just as herself, but as half of a pair—her hand resting warm inside Goten's grasp.
The village was quiet and undisturbed, as if time itself had stopped here. A few locals turned their heads at their sudden arrival, their expressions lighting up with recognition before quickly turning wary.
Standing right at the doorstep of a cozy wooden cottage was Snow herself—Melody's mother. And she did not look pleased.
Melody: "Mommy!" *Melody squealed, rushing forward and wrapping her arms tightly around her mother.*
Snow: *She let out a heavy sigh, sounding almost exasperated.* "I see you still know your way... home?" *Yet for all her gruffness, her embrace was as warm and encompassing as ever. She held Melody tightly, as if unwilling to ever let her go.* "Nice seeing you again, Goten," *she added, acknowledging him with a respectful nod.*
After inviting them into the warm, cozy house, Snow put the kettle on the stove. Over hot cups of tea, Melody and Goten explained everything about the upcoming galactic invasion. They told her about the DFA, Captain Gorge, and the race for the new Dragon Balls.
Snow listened in complete silence, her grip tightening around her teacup until her knuckles turned snow-white. When they finally finished, she set the cup down with a sharp clink that echoed too loudly in the quiet room.
Snow: "So you came to say goodbye," *she said bluntly, her voice hard. Because she knew. Deep down, she knew. This wasn't just a casual family visit—this was her daughter preparing her for the absolute worst.*
Melody: *She flinched, but couldn't deny it.* "Mom—"
Snow: *She cut her off with a sharp gesture, standing up abruptly as her chair scraped harshly against the floor.* "No! Don't you dare act like this is just some casual drop-in!" *Her voice cracked—just once—before she steeled herself.* "You fight, you hear me? You come back!"
Melody swallowed hard, nodding in silence. Goten reached for her hand under the table, squeezing it tight.
Snow: *She turned away toward the stove, hiding her face.* "...I'll make more tea. There's something else you ought to know."