AN: I'm putting a small disclaimer here. There will be references to 'drug usage' in this chapter. Happy Reading!
"Alright! I'd like to start this quarterly meeting by saying ``Welcome to The Harmony Center, because we have some new faces with us this time around." Ellery beamed towards her employees. The young woman's yoga studio opened nearly two years ago. In that time, The Harmony Center has grown exponentially.
Her staff going from five to nearly twenty in the last couple years has been more than hectic for Ellery. With the addition of this last batch of employees however, a huge weight has been taken off the young business owner's shoulders. Salla, Garmen, and Bedde are exceptional workers. Thanks to these ladies in the last month, Ellery began stepping back and taking a more executive role in her business.
"I know most people would be spending their Friday afternoons with their families. I plan on making this meeting short and sweet."
Ellery glanced around the room, seeing all of her faculty. Yoga Instructors, Massage Therapists, Chakra Aligners, receptionists, and even the behind the scenes personnel that help with payroll. The young woman had a habit of going a little overboard for the quarterly meetings. Inspired by Bulma's raging parties, Ellery has the employees invite their entire families for food and fun. There are some attractions along with enough food to feed an army. The young business owner didn't believe in keeping all of the profits to herself. Instead, she puts the money back into her business via employee morale and ensuring The Harmony Center remains the state of the art studio it deserves to be.
"Salla has been a wonderful addition to our chakra alignment program, as well as our yoga classes. She's never afraid to ask questions and is eager to learn. With her help, we've been able to add more classes to the studio on the weekends. Clients have nothing but kind words to say about her. I'd like everyone to welcome Salla to the team." Ellery turned to the right, smiling at the young woman. A tall being with fiery red curls stood from her chair and waved to the group. As Ellery took a good look around the room, she noticed there was an important person missing from this meeting.
Where are you, Kakarot? Ellery thought as the group clapped for Salla.
"We also have our wonderful part-time receptionist, Bedde. She's been able to assist Pilla with many of the day to day tasks. These two have become innovation machines! With their help, I never have to worry about inaccuracies in numbers or payments. They are the ones responsible for making sure all accounts are paid and up to date. Pilla and Bedde are the face of this company just as much as the instructors that teach the classes. Their expertise in customer relations has made sure every client is happy from the moment they set foot in the building. These ladies make our waiting room look like a seamless machine." Ellery smiled at the three ladies she mentioned, gesturing for them to stand.
The young woman suddenly felt another presence in the room. An orange dressed figure stood in the corner, his arms crossed but his lips were turned in a smile. I told you I'd make it, Princess. Goku thought, listening to the cheers around the room. .
You also said you'd be on time. Ellery bantered with her partner without missing a beat in her speech.
"Another new face you may see around here is Garmen. They are doing a lot of work behind the scenes. Garmen helps me with paperwork, payroll, and everything in between. They've been a tremendous help in keeping all of the books on track and I want to thank them for their amazing work. Thank you, Garmen!"
"These ladies have allowed me to finally take a step back. I wanted to see how you guys can run day to day operations. Needless to say, you guys have exceeded my expectations! You've practically been running The Harmony Center for a month without my help." The young woman chuckled. Looking at the happy faces around her filled Ellery with a warm feeling that allowed her to continue excitedly.
Come on sweetheart. No one even noticed me come in! They're all fixed on you. How could they not be? Goku smiled, watching a blush rise to his mate's cheeks. While the Saiyan wasn't sure why Ellery asked him to come, he knew it was important to her.
"The Harmony Center grows in clients every week because of your wonderful souls. I hear nothing but praise from each of you on how professional and helpful you are. To show my appreciation to you guys, in addition to the monthly retreat, everyone will be receiving a raise! I just ask that you keep up the good work. Together I think we're capable of accomplishing great things!"
The crowd cheered for their boss happily. As Ellery looked across the group, she noticed many smiles. Some employees were even tearing up at the news. Don't think I'm letting you off the hook for this. Ellery looked towards the back of the room, seeing Goku's eyes widen.
"The last thing I want to mention is the new and exciting program we have coming to The Harmony Center." Ellery watched the room, seeing quite a few confused faces from across the space. Sophai raised her hand from the left corner. The young woman acknowledged her with a nod.
"Does this have anything to do with those platforms outside?" Sophai, one of the Advanced Yoga Instructors asked.
"I'm actually glad you asked." Ellery beamed. "With the World Martial Arts Tournament being held in this beautiful city, I think it's about time we started catering to them as well! Starting next week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, The Harmony Center will be hosting Martial Arts classes. I think this is a great opportunity to get more clients through the door, along with a wider range of clientele."
"But we don't have anyone here that knows Martial Arts. Who will teach the classes?" Kimichi questioned.
Ellery looked to the back of the room in the man in orange. A huge smile spread across her lips as she turned the attention to her partner. "Many of you have met my partner, Goku." The young woman gestured to the warrior in back. "Those who haven't, he's right there in the back." Ellery said with a chuckle.
"Goku has been studying Martial Arts for the greater part of his life. When this place was built, my partner thought it would be a good idea to put the platforms in. For the last couple years, we've been using them to train with Goku's sons' and his friends. We wanted to make sure they could withstand anything we could throw at them." Ellery observed her wide-eyed partner, chuckling to herself as she felt his nervousness creep into her mind.
"The classes will start at the beginning of next month, and go all the way up to the World Martial Arts Tournament. Since everyone here has been such a wonderful help, any employee who would like to take Goku's class can do so free of charge."
"Are there any questions?" The young business owner asked her group of employees.
After waiting a few moments in silence, Ellery smiled and clapped her hands together. "Okay! If everyone follows the lovely attendants at the door, there will be food and fun waiting in the usual spot!"
The group hurried out of the room, eager to see what Ellery came up with this time.
Goku watched everyone file out of the room. He was so proud of his mate for everything she's accomplished. "You did amazing up there." The warrior made his way to the front of the room where Ellery was standing. The Saiyan woman beamed, her arms opened for her mate to walk into. As the couple embraced, Goku leaned down, kissing the top of Ellery's head.
"Thank you." Ellery lifted her gaze, meeting the warrior's eyes in front of her.
"Are you ready to join the party?" Goku asked.
"I had a better idea." The Saiyan woman smirked. "How about we leave the party to the employees, they deserve every bit of it." Ellery leaned closer to her mate. She could feel waves of different emotions crashing over her. An overwhelming sense of accomplishment was the first thing to hit her, followed by waves of happiness and even excitement.
"What did my Princess have in mind?"
"Well, I was thinking we would go away for the weekend, just the two of us." Ellery smiled.
"Maybe this month we won't be disappointed when we look at that little blue and white magic stick."
"Just because it tells me whether I'm pregnant or not, doesn't mean it's magic." The young woman laughed loudly. The chuckles got the better of her. She distanced herself from her mate, Ellery's hands resting on her knees as she bent over in near guffaws.
"It might as well be cursed…" Goku sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "The first two times I had children, I wasn't even trying!"
"Don't get discouraged, Kakarot." Ellery whispered as she closed the distance between them once again. The young woman's hands ran up the man's chest, their final destination was wrapped around his neck. "There is a time and place for everything in this life. It will happen when life is ready to give us this blessing. For now, we should appreciate the alone time we have together. It won't be like this forever" She beamed up at her partner.
"You always know what to say to make me feel better." Goku smiled as he leaned down, capturing his mate's lips in a glorious kiss. "So, what did you want to do this weekend?"
Ellery's smirk widened as she began to play with the small ebony hairs on the back of Goku's neck. "I'm already a step ahead of you."
"Oh?" Goku asked, confused. He searched his mate's aura for any signs of a surprise, but it was completely empty. "How can you be one step ahead?"
"When you have the greatest friend in the world, anything's possible." Ellery laughs as she kisses her mate's lips. "Bulma planned the entire thing for me. All we have to do is pick up the destination packet from her on the way out of town. She grabbed our luggage this morning."
"Who woulda thought you'd be able to pull one over on me like that." Goku chuckled before returning the kiss passionately. "I love the idea. Let's get out of here."
"Use the blue? Please." Bulla pointed to the royal blue nail polish in her mother's hands.
"Of course." The bluenette placed the other bottles to the side. Bulma was having fun pampering her daughter. When she wasn't in the mood to 'wrestle' with her brother, the young Saiyan enjoyed playing dress up. She even allowed her Mom to do her nails, hair and makeup.
"Do you want this color on your hands and toes?"
"Blue on hands, pink on toes!" Bulla smiled happily.
"Good choice." Bulma gleamed as she opened the blue, starting with her tiny fingers.
Suddenly, two figures appeared beside them, startling Bulma and making Bulla jump.
"Hey Bulma!" Goku waved happily at his best friend.
"I should've known it was you." the bluenette rolled her eyes, yet still had a smile on her face. "Glad to see you made it back!"
"We're all ready for this weekend." Ellery said with a bright smile, unable to control her excitement.
"Oh yeah!" Bulma remembered. "I've got all the info in a manilla folder. It's on the counter in the kitchen."
"I'll get it." Goku kissed his mate's cheek before quickly exiting the room.
Ellery looked at her friend, still beaming from ear to ear. "I can't thank you enough for this."
"No need to thank me." Bulma smiled. "I just want you guys to have fun!"
Goku came back into the room, a confused look on his face as he read through some of the papers. "Bulma, this map is great. However, it doesn't tell me how to get there. I can't teleport somewhere unless I have a good sense of direction and an energy to lock on to."
"That's because you don't need to use your silly Instant Transmission. I've taken care of that for you as well." the bluenette snickered before standing from her position on the floor. She walks to the french doors along the back wall. "NIMBUS!"
"Hey! You can't call my Flying Nimbus!" Goku yelled at his friend. "It only works for me!"
As if to spite the warrior, a bright yellow object could be seen racing toward their location. The Flying Nimbus quickly landed in front of Bulla, Bulma, and her two friends.
"Did you find the place okay, Nimbus?" the bluenette inquired.
The puff of air and water vapor rose up and down, almost as if it was nodding to Bulma.
Turning to face the couple, the woman gleamed. She was more than proud of her full proof plan. "I can't have the two of you knowing where you're headed. Just relax, and have fun! It's going to be a great weekend, or week if you like! Stay as long as you want." Bulma looked at her watch, her eyes widening. "You'd better get going! I told them you'd be arriving soon. They're going to have dinner ready for you."
"Great! I'm starving!" Goku exclaimed happily. The warrior quickly hopped onto the golden cloud. Looking towards his mate, he raised a hand to take hers. "Are you ready to go, Princess?"
"Actually." Bulma interrupted. "I have a little something to give her. Goku, stay here and watch Bulla for me." The bluenette looked at her friend with a sly smile. "Will you come with me to my room, El?"
"Uh, sure?" Ellery raised a brow in curiosity, but still followed her friend to her bedroom. Once they were out of the room, the young woman looked at Bulma. "What exactly are you giving me?"
"Just wait and see. It'll help you this weekend." The bluenette mentions with a sly grin still on her face.
"Okay?." The two quickly reached the master bedroom. Bulma walks over to the end table next to her side of the bed. She pulls out a sealed white bag, a little bigger than her palm. The plastic package had a green plus symbol on the front of it, intriguing Ellery.
Under the sign, The young woman noticed the numbers 1:5, and 100mg. "What is in here exactly, Bulma?"
"It's something I use to help Vegeta relax every once in a while." The bluenette said with a laugh. "The man is so tense all the time. On nights when I can tell it's overwhelming, I'll give him one or two of these. He's up for just about anything that's thrown at him, even dressing up with Bulla." Bulma laughs hysterically, remembering the one and only time she convinced Vegeta to dress up as a Princess.
"There's two pieces of chocolate in here. Each of you takes one after dinner on the night of a Full Moon. If I planned this right, the moon should be full tonight or tomorrow night."
"Are you sure this is safe?" Ellery asked skeptically.
"Of course it is!" Bulma nodded. "I promise, it'll be perfectly fine. I'm hoping it'll help fight that little problem you've been having. If these can get Vegeta to relax and lighten up, I'm convinced they can do just about anything." The bluenette laughed.
"You're the best, Bulma." Ellery smiled.
"I know." She chuckled. 'Now, get on the road! You two have a weekend getaway to attend!"