Theme: Training
"Haaaaaaa…!"
In a wide open field, a spirited Videl outstretched her cupped together hands only for nothing to happen. After holding the pose for a few seconds longer, a low blue glow shone from her hands before fizzling out. Clenched her fists, Videl let out a frustrated groan.
"Dang it, I still can't do it!"
"Why…don't we take a break?" stammered the onlooking Gohan.
"Fine," Videl sighed.
The pair sat beneath a large tree, disappointment evident on Videl's face.
"I don't get it Gohan. I've been trying for over a week now, and I still can't get it right!"
"Don't beat yourself up over this Videl. You're still new to this and the Kamehameha is a pretty advanced technique." Gohan replied.
"Yeah, an advanced technique that Goten can do no problem," she fired back, her eyes narrowed.
"Uhhh…"
"Yeah I know, it's because he's a Saiyan and you guys are adept at this energy stuff."
"Well if it makes you feel better, it took Master Roshi 50 years to invent the technique, so the fact that you're making any progress at all is really kind of astounding." Said Gohan.
"Gohan, don't patron-FIFTY YEARS!?"
Gohan couldn't help but chuckle at Videl's shocked expression. "You'd have to ask Dad or Krillin if you want more details, but yeah. Apparently, it took Master Roshi 50 years to develop the Kamehameha."
Videl buried her head into her knees. "Let me guess, it'll only take me half that amount of time because I'm only human?"
"It doesn't have anything to do with being human or Saiyan. I mean, Krillin and Yamcha can do it no problem, and they've been able to ever since before I was born."
"How long before you were born?"
"I…don't know, I haven't asked."
As Videl leaned her head back against the tree, Gohan was thinking of a way to motivate her. Her repeated failures at trying to perform the Kamehameha wave were starting to take a toll on her, he could feel it. After a brief silence, Gohan's stood up with a sterner expression.
"Let's try something a little different."
"Different how?"
"I'll tell you later, but first…"
Gohan paused as a low rumble filled the air. "…Why don't we get some lunch first?"
[Later]
Back in the field. Gohan watched on as Videl held her arms stretched out. "Are…are you sure this will work Gohan?" she asked.
"Not entirely," he replied honestly. "But let's just say I have a hunch, and if I'm right, then I think you'll like the results."
[Flashback]
The pair could be seen on a picnic blanket, various empty bowls surrounding them. When Videl put her empty bowl down, she decided to follow up on her earlier question.
"Okay Gohan, what did you mean when you said you wanted to try something different?"
His mouth still full, Gohan took a large gulp of water and swallowed before replying. "Well for starters, I think I know why you're having issues using the Kamehameha."
"Really!? Then why?" Videl exclaimed.
"I…don't think you're going to like the answer though…" Gohan warned.
Getting into his personal space, Videl demanded. "Just give it to me straight Gohan, I can take it!"
Taking a deep breath, Gohan said flatly, "You don't have enough energy."
There was a pause as Videl processed Gohan's words and fell back onto the blanket.
"Of course…I should've figured that was the case…I'm just too weak." Stated a disheartened Videl.
"Only for now, but you build energy the same way you build muscle mass so just keep training and sooner or later, you'll have enough energy to use the Kamehameha no problem."
"Thanks Gohan, you really know how to make a girl feel better," Videl sarcastically droned.
"And you really know how to not let people finish speaking," Gohan playfully shot back. "Sure the Kamehameha may be out of reach for now, but that doesn't mean you can't learn to use ANY energy technique."
"Come again?" Videl asked with a hopeful gleam in her eye.
"I'm gonna show you a technique that's less powerful than the Kamehameha, but should be just as effective to use."
Videl's expression was a mix of intrigue and confusion. "How do you know it'll be just as effective…or that I'll be able to actually learn it right now?"
"Simple, it's the first energy technique, I learned to use."
[End Flashback]
Videl placed a hand over the other and raised them both above her head. Closing her eyes to focus, her hands began to glow yellow. After a few seconds of concentration, she thrust her hands forward and the light shone brighter until the resulting flash bathed them both before causing a small force to blow Videl back.
"What…happened?" Videl gasped out.
"A little rough around the edges, but for your first attempt, that was very impressive. You almost had it there." Gohan praised.
"Wait, I want to try it one more time."
"If you say so," Gohan watched with an observant eye as Videl repeated her previous actions. This time, once her hands began to glow, she tried to retain her concentration for longer. A good 15 seconds passed before Videl thrust her hands forward and a stream of light flew from them scorching a nearby bush.
Feeling unnaturally winded, Videl fell to a knee breathing heavily. "Did…did I just?"
"You did it Videl!" Gohan exclaimed.
"I did?"
"Yeah, and on your second try at that."
"Good…cause I don't…have another of those…in me…!" her voice trailing off, Videl's body finally gave out due to lack of energy and she hit the ground in an exhausted heap. Or rather, she would've if Gohan hadn't caught her.
"Are you alright?" asked Gohan.
"Fine just…really tired," she answered.
"Guess that blast took everything you had," Gohan surmised. "Think it's time to wrap up for today."
"Yeah…that's probably for the best."
Videl shakily got to her feet and attempted to float, but just as Gohan figured, she lacked the energy to do so.
"Allow me."
Taking her hand, Gohan ascended and held Videl above the ground before carrying her in his arms bridal style. As the pair retreated to Gohan's mountain home, Videl broke the melancholy silence.
"Is this how you guys feel whenever you use a big attack?"
"Only if it's a fight ender," Gohan chuckled.
"Think I'll be able to use those kinds of moves as easily as you guys someday?"
Gohan's reply came in the form a cheeky smile.