The group wandered around the place a little more. They found the bathroom, which was large enough to accommodate multiple people, as well as a section for the shower. They even spotted compartments for soap, towels, washcloths, all located underneath the sink counter.

"Feels like we're in a big, fancy hotel.", thought Begu, "Only without the noisy neighbors…"

A few minutes later, the group managed to find the beds Mr. Popo was referring to. They were canopy beds, which meant each bed had large purple curtains, as well as a canopy, hung around it.

To the trio, the set up almost looked straight out of a mystical fantasy novel!

There was only one teeny, tiny problem: there were only two beds!

Mafin exclaimed, "Two beds?! Why do we have two beds?! I thought we would have more!"

Begu scoffed, "Gee, that Popo guy really sold us short with that stuff about the beds, didn't he?"

21 said, "Well, I think we can still make this situation work."

An unsure Mafin asked, "Do you think so?"

21 nodded in response. She then placed a finger on her chin, "Hmm. How should we proceed with this….?"

Mafin also placed a finger on his own chin, "Maybe Begu and I could share a bed?"

Begu himself said nothing, and folded his arms.

He thought, "Guys, the obvious solution is staring right in front of you…"

Mafin continued, "Or…maybe you and him could share one? Maybe we could take turns each night?"

Begu rolled his eyes, "Okay, then. Looks like I'm gonna have to step in…"

The Octorian exclaimed, "Welp, I know what bed I'm picking!"

Before his other two friends could object, Begu ran over to the bed on the right-hand side, and hopped onto it.

"Oh, this is nice!", grinned Begu as he laid down, and let out a deep sigh of relief.

He sat back up, and said, "Okay, here's my little suggestion. Why don't you two share the other bed, and I get to have this bed all to myself?"

Mafin blushed in response at the thought of sharing a bed with 21.

He stammered, "Uh…Um…a-are you sure?"

"Yep, I'm sure. It'll be easier for all of us.", replied Begu, who folded his arms in a confident manner.

Mafin gulped, and looked back at 21, "Um…do you want to, um, do that…as well?"

21 responded, "Sure, I don't mind. As long as it makes these arrangements easier for us."

Mafin sighed, "Alright, Begu. We'll go along with your suggestion."

Begu unfolded his arms, and silently gave a thumbs up of approval.

Afterwards, he asked, "So…who wants to get into the shower first? We've been in these clothes for hours now."

21 replied, "I'll take my shower first. I want to slip into more casual clothing."

Begu smiled, "Cool! Take your time, dude!"

Mafin awkwardly nodded in response, clearly having no idea what else to say.

21 said, "Alright, I'll see you gentlemen in a few minutes."

The researcher walked over to the bathroom, and went inside.

Mafin then sat on the new bed, and laid down on his back, letting out a sigh of frustration.

Begu snickered, "Doin' alright, buddy?"

Mafin glared over at his friend, "You intentionally wanted us to sleep on the same bed together, didn't you?"

Begu let out a big, belly-filled laugh, "Of course I did, man! What did you think I was trying to do?!"

Mafin groaned, "You jerk! You do realize you made things potentially awkward for both 21 and myself?!"

Begu scoffed, and waved off Mafin's concern, "Whatever, we got a year to spend in here! It'll pass over time! Don't worry about it!"

Mafin rolled his eyes and turned away from Begu.

The Peustorian groaned once again, angrily grabbing his face while doing so.

This was a very agonizing situation for him, and it was all Begu's friggin' fault.

Mafin then facepalmed himself in frustration.

Begu said, "Hey, at least this confirms one thing I had on my mind."

Mafin let out a deep sigh, and asked, "…What is it?"

"You got a little crush on her."

Mafin's cheeks turned a deep crimson, and he slowly turned back to face his friend, "How did you know?"

Begu folded his arms, "Dude, I figured it out back when you insisted on chatting with 21. Alone."

Mafin sighed deeply, and covered his face in embarrassment, "I'm sorry! I can't help it! I just think she's gorgeous!"

Begu exclaimed, "Nah, nah, nah! It's okay, dude! Don't apologize for feeling that way."

Mafin slightly uncovered his eyes, "R-Really?"

Begu smiled, "Yeah, man. I think it's kinda adorable that you have a crush on her! And I mean it!"

Mafin blushed, and awkwardly rubbed his arm, "Th-Thank you..."

The Octorian then smirked, "You also like her big boobs and abs, don't you?"

Mafin blushed even harder, and he turned away from Begu once again.

Begu laughed, "I'm kidding, dude! I'm kidding! I just wanted to mess around with ya!"

Mafin rolled his eyes at the Octorian's comment, "Right. Thanks."

However, in the deepest, darkest depths of the Pesutorian's mind, he secretly admitted that 21 did have a very...ahem...attractive buxom, and a really, REALLY well-toned stomach, as well as some gorgeous broad shoulders, and clavicles...

Mafin quickly shook his head, and refocused himself. He realized he was getting a bit too deep in that process of lustful thinking.

That wasn't all what the Pesutorian thought of her as.

Begu then asked, "So, uh, how long have you had these feelings?"

Mafin turned back around, and responded, "Umm, well it was back when we first met her, and all throughout today."

"Wait, really?"

"Mmm-hmm. 21 just radiated such...such...niceness...with her overall demeanor. When she said, 'it's a pleasure to meet you'...it was really sweet. That, and the fact that she saved us, when she didn't need to, really got to me."

"Yeah, that was cool of her.", said Begu, "So, my good man, what do you like about Ms. Android 21?"

Mafin placed a hand on his chin, and thought aloud, "…To be honest, so far…I really like her kind personality. I also like the way she talked about her interests, like her love of flora, fauna and music. Her music tastes are also really cool by the way! She loves surreal electronic music, as well as acoustic! Although, I think she is only into one artist so far. Which is still cool!"

Begu calmly nodded, "Nice, nice. What else?"

Mafin let out a soft laugh, and said, "This might sound weird, but…I also think her eyes are gorgeous. Those big, blue eyes just make my heart beat really fast. I also like her warm, almost melodic voice. I also love her adorable smile, and the way she chuckles, it's just so cute! And her big, messy hair is so pretty, and—"

The Pesutorian's face grew dark red once more. He realized he was getting a bit too descriptive now.

He sighed, "Sorry. I didn't mean to get super schmaltzy and weird. The bottom line is...I just find her to be really beautiful. I-I'm sorry."

Begu, who was listening intently the entire time, shook his head, "Nah man, it's cool. I get it now."

Mafin nodded, and smiled softly.

He thought to himself, "I just hope that 21 herself didn't hear all of that…"

Begu then said, "Look, dude…I'm sorry for messing around, and forcing this whole bed situation on you and 21. I just wanted to bring you guys closer."

"It's fine, Begu.", replied Mafin, "Well, not really, things will likely be rather awkward from now on…but, still. I appreciate that you wanted to help out, but please don't pull something like that again. Let 21 and I figure things out on our own, okay?"

Begu nodded, "I understand."

A few minutes later, 21 finished her shower, and got out of the bathroom. She was wearing a red, long sleeved shirt with dark blue pajama pants.

21 said, "Okay, I'm finished. Who needs to go in next?"

"I'll go.", said Mafin as he got up from the bed, then rubbed his arm in an awkward manner, "I kind of need new clothes to sleep in, though."

21 said in a reassuring tone of voice, "Oh, don't worry about that, Mafin. I made some spare clothes for you and Begu."

Mafin smiled, "Thank you, 21."

Begu also added, "Yeah, thanks!"

As Mafin proceeded to head inside the bathroom, 21 sat down on her bed, and let out a sigh.

Begu asked, "So, how was the shower?"

21 replied with a small smile, "It was deeply refreshing. My mind was calm, clear, and concise. I rather enjoyed not having another voice in my head for once."

Begu smiled, "That's cool to hear, dude."

"So, what were you and Mafin talking about just now?", inquired a now curious 21.

Begu's eyes widened, and he awkwardly replied, "Oh, well, uh…we were, uh, just discussing what we were gonna do after we save the world, and all that. Like, what kinda jobs, and stuff.

21 inquired, "So, have either you or Mafin decided on what you want to apply for?"

Begu rubbed the back of his head, "Ehh…not really. We're still trying to figure that whole part out."

21 replied, "That's understandable."

She placed a finger on her chin, "Me personally? Well, I have some ideas. I was thinking about working for Capsule Corp. as a researcher. I would like to do some field work for them, if that's possible. Also, when I have a bit of down time to myself, I want to analyze my own cells, and eliminate any chance of me going berserk again in the future."

Begu perked a brow in confusion, "But, aren't you…like…fully cured of that other version—?"

21 let out another sigh, "I know I am, but I just want to double check, and I want to make sure that I don't accidentally slip back into old behaviors."

Begu nodded, "Fair."

21 continued, "After that, then I was thinking about eventually applying my cellular technology to the medical field. A lot of people could benefit from my ability to heal, don't you think?"

Begu grinned, "Yeah, I think so! Helping dozens of folk out when they really need it? Shoot, that sounds great to me."

21 smiled, "Thank you, Begu."

Begu chuckled, "Don't mention it. Your overall plan sounds far more grand compared to what I was thinking."

21 raised an eyebrow, "What's that?"

Begu replied, "I guess…working at a bookstore? Like…as a barista? I dunno. Just spitballing here."

21 nodded, "That seems nice."

Begu smirked, "I know Mafin would definitely enjoy working there too. He loves his books."

21 chuckled softly, "That, I'm aware of."

Begu mused, "Y'know, now that I think about it, I don't know if we ever actually worked in a bookstore before. We worked at so many jobs, and we were terrible at most of them, but I don't remember if we ever worked at that kinda place."

21 merely said, "Hmm, interesting conundrum."

Begu snapped back to reality, "Ah, crap! Sorry if I rambled on like that!"

"Oh no, it's okay! I tend to ramble a lot too!", smiled 21 as she waved off her friend's concern, "No need to worry."

Begu then said, "So yeah, I gotta ask Mafin about that bookstore thing."

"Ask me about what?", inquired Mafin as he walked out the bathroom. He was now wearing a light blue t-shirt with dark blue plaid pajamas.

"About if we've ever worked at a bookstore.", replied Begu.

The Pesutorian responded, "Oh, um…no. I mean, we've shopped in a bookstore, but working there? No, not really. Why did you ask?"

21 responded, "Begu and I were conversing about jobs we could potentially work at, once all this is over. He was thinking about working at a bookstore.

Begu added, "I was just randomly spitballing, I don't have any plans to apply."

Mafin shook his head, "No, that's alright."

He then mused, "Hmm, a bookstore…actually sounds like a good choice. I better keep that in mind."

Begu got up from his bed, and said, "Alright, I'm going in next. See you guys in a bit."

The Octorian then walked into the bathroom.

Mafin sat down next to 21, "So, what job were you thinking about working for?"

21 proceeded to explain her job interest and her future goals to the Pesutorian, who listened intently.

Once she finished, Mafin exclaimed, "I agree with Begu! That sounds wonderful!"

21 bashfully rubbed her arm, "Thank you. I hope I can help out people in the best way I know how, besides fighting of course."

Mafin happily said, "Looks like you have a strong grasp on what you want to do!"

21 smiled, "Thank you, again."

Begu then walked back into the room, to the surprise of both Mafin and 21.

The Octorian was now dressed in a light red t-shirt, and dark red plaid pajamas.

Mafin's eyes widened, "You're finished that fast?!"

Begu said, "Yeah, I take really quick showers! I told you I would see you guys in a bit!"

Mafin thought to himself, "Well, I didn't think it would be that quick…"

Begu then sat back down on his bed, "So, how are we gonna do this? What's our sleeping schedule gonna look like?"

Mafin's eyes widened, "I was just thinking about that while I was in the shower! And I have a solution!"

Both 21 and Begu asked in unison, "What is it?"

Mafin explained, "First, we train for what will feel like a few hours, take a break for lunch, and then resume training for presumably several more hours. Finally, when all of us get extremely exhausted, we just can lay down, and sleep away. What do you guys think?"

Begu said, "Honestly, I dunno what else to say. That plan sounds pretty good!"

21 nodded in agreement, "Yes, I think it's a good plan. After all, there are no visible signs of daytime or nighttime in this time chamber, so it only makes sense that we rest when we feel exhausted."

Mafin smiled, "Okay, then it's settled! So, we should probably get some rest right now. It's better for us to be fully prepared than tired."

"You don't have to tell me twice, man!", said Begu as he laid back down and got under the covers on his bed.

Mafin and 21 looked at one another.

Mafin awkwardly asked, "Umm, do you…u-umm…do you want to go under the covers first, or?"

21 shook her head, "No, it's alright. You can go in first."

Mafin nodded, and quickly got under the covers.

21 soon followed suit, carefully making sure her tail didn't end up accidentally hitting her friend.

Once she did so, she asked Mafin, "Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes.", replied the Pesutorian, who blushed upon thinking about how his secret crush was lying a few inches away from him.

Begu then spoke up, "Welp, good niii…umm…see you in a few hours, you guys!

Both 21 and Mafin replied in unison, "See you in a few hours, Begu."

And with that, the three friends proceeded to drift off into a deep slumber.

Author's Note:

Hello, all. Story Nado here. I deeply apologize for not coming back to this fic in almost a year. I was really busy with trying to finish college.

Thankfully, I graduated a few months ago! Whoo!

So, now I'm just currently searching for jobs, mainly art related jobs. Here's hoping that things work out, and I'll be able to land something.

Going back to this fanfic, I'm also sorry if I'm dragging things out with this mini training arc.

To be honest, during this part, I was trying to decide if I wanted to continue this entire story.

I mean, I'm a much different person now, than I was back when I posted that last chapter, which was December of 2022.

Since then, in addition to the earlier stuff I mentioned, I'm currently planning out a webcomic, and I also have three other WIP fanfics to continue doing as well.

So, while writing out this chapter, I thought to myself, "Do I even still have the same love for this story anymore?"

And, after thinking it through for a while, then reading the entire story over, and then watching Team Four Star's commentary videos on DBZA, I came to a decision:

Yes. Yes, I still love this story, and it's because of the three main characters.

I love these three so dang much, and their silly, sweet, wholesome dynamic.

So, I've decided to continue this fic. I really wanna see this through to its end.

With that said, I guess I'll see you guys whenever I post again. Take care!