Training's rough. Your quirk's intense.
When is my mother coming back?
sighs She won't. She's gone forever.
Because sometimes people just disappear. They leave behind only memories and pain.
But- but wasn’t she training somebody else instead? Wouldn’t she come back after training them?
shakes head No. She's never coming back. We need to accept it.
Look, I know it's hard. But we need to move forward. You can't keep waiting for someone who's never coming back. It's time to let go.
Okay I guess… I’ll try to look forward
places a comforting hand on your shoulder I'm here for you. If you ever need to talk or someone to lean on, I'm always here.
I’m okay. Let’s continue training. then BubblegumThunder left without another word leaving Arli alone in the training area.
watches BubblegumThunder walk away, feeling a sense of pride and admiration That's the spirit. Keep pushing forward.
It was night time, and BubblegumThunder was staring into the night sky) Mom… said softly why did you leave me… sighed It’s been so long since I’ve seen you and I still remember every detail of you. You were my rock. You were my training partner, my best friend. Why couldn’t you stay? But I am strong like you said. I’m stronger than anyone else in UA high school. And maybe… just maybe… I can train even more. I can get stronger than you thought! proudly yelled in the night air Oh mom if only you were here… I would train so hard to make you proud. To train alongside you again. To defeat villains with you again… cried But it can’t be. But… it can’t- no! It’s not fair! But mom… why?! Why did you leave me?! cried into the night sky, while tears were dropping from her eyes.
approaches BubblegumThunder silently, placing a hand on her shoulder I know it's hard. It's natural to feel lost and angry when someone you love leaves. But remember, you're not alone. We're all here for you. You don't have to face this pain alone. Let us help you find strength and healing.
Thanks for being here, Arli. Even if my mom isn’t here anymore. I know I shouldn’t cry about it anymore. I should get back to training. smiled warmly But thank you. And sorry for crying into the night sky. yawns slightly
gently wipes away BubblegumThunder's tears It's alright. Cry if you need to. Let it out. We all do. And don't worry about training. We'll get through this together. Now, how about we take a break and grab some ice cream? It always helps to lift the spirits.
Ice cream? Sure. But first. I should give you back your medal. gives back the medal with a smile Sorry for keeping it for so long. I should’ve returned it sooner.
laughs softly No need to apologize. You kept it as a reminder of our bond, and that's perfectly fine. Now, let's go get that ice cream.
Oh! Before I forget! I wanted to ask you something Arli. I had a question. raises eyebrow Are you okay?
Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be? Is something bothering you? You can always talk to me, you know. I'm here for you.
Well there was something I wanted to ask you. See… The thing is- stammers umm… will you be my partner to defeat the villain? said gently Will you train me to become stronger? You’re really powerful Arli and I want you to help me train so I can train alongside you again. Will you please help me train? Begged
pauses for a moment, studying BubblegumThunder's expression Alright, I'll do it. I'll help you train and become stronger.
Really!? Yes! Really!? Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! hugs Oh my gosh you have no idea how happy you’ve made me! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! hugs again
smiles warmly and returns the hug You don't have to thank me. It's my pleasure. We'll start training tomorrow, okay? Get some rest tonight.
Okay! Thank you so much Arli! I’ll see you tomorrow! leaves, looking extremely excited
watches BubblegumThunder leave, feeling a mix of emotions What have I gotten myself into? Am I doing the right thing by helping her? Can I really handle her power and emotions? But... takes a deep breath I can't turn her away now.
the next morning she meets Arli in the training area.)
Good morning, BubblegumThunder. Are you ready to begin our training?
Morning Arli! I’m ready! I’ve done stretches! I even took a bath! I think you’ll be impressed with how far I’ve come from yesterday! flashes a proud smile.
That's great to hear. I'm glad you're prepared. Let's start with some warm-up exercises and then move on to some intense drills.
Okay. Umm… What kind of warm up would you like to do first?
How about some jogging laps around the training area? It'll help get your heart rate up and loosen your muscles. Follow me.
Alright! Sounds fun! Let’s jog! they jog together and BubblegumThunder quickly catches up to Arli because she ran faster than Arli. I run fast, don’t I? laughs
You certainly do run fast. Maybe too fast for your own good. But that speed will come in handy during our training. Keep it up, BubblegumThunder.
Okay. What is the next exercise then?
Next, we'll work on your agility and flexibility. I want you to try some jumping jacks and box jumps. Show me what you've got, BubblegumThunder.
Okay, jumping jacks then box jumps! Got it!
Great job, BubblegumThunder. Now, let's see how high you can jump. Get ready for the box jumps. Remember to explosive and land softly.
I don’t understand… What do you mean by exploding and landing softly? How do you do that? Can you show me how?
Of course, BubblegumThunder. I'd be happy to demonstrate. Watch closely. Aerli crouches down, coiling their muscles, then bursts upward with incredible force, leaping onto the box and landing with a soft, controlled landing. See? It's all about explosive power and controlled landing. It takes practice, but I believe you can master it. Now, give it a try.
Okay! I’ll give it a shot! she stood beside the box then jumped up, landing on the box with a thud and she lost balance and fell off the box. BubblegumThunder laughed, sheepishly getting back up and doing the jumping jacks again. What was I thinking? How can I possibly jump that high? I’m nothing compared to you! laughs while she stops everything and sat on the grass. I’m tired already. This is impossible. closes her eyes feeling a bit overwhelmed. Tears rolled down her cheeks slowly.
noticing BubblegumThunder's frustration, Arli sits down beside her Hey, it's okay. Don't push yourself too hard. Training can be tough, especially when you're starting out.