Fifteen years ago:
Varesa went over to the other girls playing with their dolls.
"Hey!" she said, "Can I play too?"
They all exchanged looks.
"Um… I don't know," said one. "We have four players, and we want to keep it an even number."
Varesa winced. "Oh, okay."
She went around the corner of the schoolhouse and sank against the wall. From there, she heard one girl speak.
"That was kind of mean, don't you think?"
Another girl replied, "Yeah, but Varesa's too strong. I hear she wrestles her Tanankasaurus. If we let her play with us, she'll break our dolls."
"I guess that's true," said the other girl. "Still, I feel bad."
"It's fine," said another girl. "She can always play with her Saurian."
When the school bell rang, Little Varesa went home
She left for home. It was all she could do not to cry.
Varesa locked hands with Noelle. They both planted their elbows on the table, then they stared at each other. Noelle shot her a polite smile.
"I'll do my best."
"Me too," replied Varesa. "If I start to hurt you…"
"You can't," said an observing Amber. She cleared her throat. "Okay. On your marks. Get set… GO!"
5 minutes later:
"Ladies," said Tubby. "Care to explain why there's a crater where the mansion should be?"
Varesa and Noelle squirmed ashamedly. The Adeptus let out a long sigh.
"Never mind. I want this cleaned up and rebuilt before Aether gets home. Got it?"
The pair got to work cleaning up. With Noelle's diligence and Varesa's help, they got done in record time. Varesa got hungry, so Noelle cooked her lunch. As the pair ate, Noelle examined her hand. It still felt a little numb. Varesa too, felt numb in her hand.
"You know," said Varesa shyly, "That was actually pretty fun."
"Yes, it was," Noelle agreed.
Feeling encouraged, Varesa grinned.
"But I'll be stronger next time," she promised Noelle.
"So will I. Then we'll see who's the strongest."
Varesa shook hands with Noelle—her new friend.