I awoke with a yawn and a stretch. I padded out of my room, rubbing my eyes. Because of that I almost bumped into Piccolo in the hallway. I mumbled an apology, mindlessly putting my hand on his stomach as I passed him, shuffling into the bathroom.
Piccolo was standing in the main room when I came out. When he saw me he said, "When your finished eating we're starting your training."
"Pardon," I inquired, "training?"
"Yes, get ready for hell," was all he said before going outside, waiting for me.
"He's so dramatic," I gently mumbled and laughed. I quickly ate some food and got dressed in a blue gi that the Namekians designed for me. I met Piccolo outside. "So what does training with you entail?"
"I know you've already had basic combat training with the Namekians, so you're going to be my sparring partner. Your first lesson is to land a hit."
"Hm," I mused, trying to not laugh.
"What?"
"Sorry but that's like a cliche first lesson in martial arts movies where I'm from."
"You won't make a good sparring partner unless I know you can keep up with me." He said with finality. He knew I still couldn't fly so he just led us a little ways away from the house.
The next hours were spent with me failing to do as little as get near Piccolo. Well, except for when he would sweep my feet, or shove me off balance. It wasn't that I couldn't fight, he was just incredibly fast. He didn't really hit me, mostly just knocking me down. It honestly was more infuriating being knocked down without actually getting hit with a punch or kick.
I tried to hit him when he would knock me down, but it never worked. All it did was guarantee that a got hit instead. I know he knows what I'm planning. It felt like he was reacting more seriously with creativity. Higher risk means higher consequence. Not that I was being very creative since I couldn't do jack shit to him.
"Alright that's enough," he announced. He didn't seem tired at all. Which makes sense, but was rude. I, on the other hand, collapsed on the ground, laying on my back.
"Damn must of been the Saiyan that made Gohan survive," I panted, enjoying the cool grass.
"I told you."
"Still dramatic. This actually isn't the worst I've felt."
"Oh?"
"I've always been flexible and one day I was taking a class led by a circus girl. We spent like an hour just stretching and at the end of the class she had those of us that really wanted to improve their flexibility to stay. That stretching. Really edging close to pain. Easily the best and worst stretching experience ever."
He didn't answer me because he was drinking water from his water gourd.
"I love your gourd," I said without thinking. I sat up and stretched the aches away.
"... Thank... you?"
"Yeah I'm not sure why I said that aloud. Just ignore me," I laughed, getting up to stretch my back.
I wish I could ignore him.
"Oh, hi Nail! I didn't think he could talk enough to annoy someone."
"Hi! It's honestly what he probably thinks of me."
"I do wish I could ignore him."
"Well we both have an annoying person in our heads. Though earth isn't always talking to me, so I guess you have it worse."
"I do."
"Though he has kind of become annoying."
"Oh?"
"Don't you do it Nail."
"He's actually has been ignoring me and I'm bored."
"Is that why you're talking to me instead?"
You also seem much more fun than this guy.
"I dunno about that. Just different types of people. I like his chill vibe."
"You're supposed to be on my side. Besides he'll never get mad a-"
Piccolo finally managed to cut contact. He grumbled, annoyed. I decided to poke just a little more fun.
"What? Are you jealous that he wants to hang out with me more?"
He glared at me and flew off in a huff. I thought he was just a little grumpy at our teasing but he didn't return at all that night. He actually didn't return for a while. I meditated most of the time, as earth was training me. I still sent him a little mental note that I was going to meditate.
I assumed that he was hearing it because he never came back. But there was a part of me that thought that maybe he was hurt. Not that anything could hurt him, but I really didn't like the idea that I had messed up what little friendship we had somehow.
