It took them a while to finally make their way back out into the open air. The sun was already setting over the horizon, painting the expansive fields in soft pastel shades of violet and gold.
The warm light of the sunset bathed the trio as they emerged at last from the mountain's looming shadow. The air out here was crisp and clean—blessedly free of the suffocating, oppressive darkness of the abyss.
Trunks took a deep, rolling breath, stretching his arms, which still felt incredibly heavy from the ordeal. Melody smiled softly up at the colorful sky, while Goten simply held up the green Namekian Soulstone, admiring its soft, mesmerizing glow.
Goten: One more catalyst to go, *Goten said, tearing his eyes away from the stone to look at the others.* And then, after a Divine transformation, Earth's safety net will finally be back up.
Trunks: On our way back to Capsule Corp, we should drop this off at the Lookout, *Trunks suggested, nodding toward the stone.*
The trip back home would be blissfully uneventful compared to the nightmare they had just survived underground.
Melody stood close beside Goten, looking up at him with a sense of pride. They had faced an algorithm abnormality and a terrifying soul-reaper, and they had won both times. Two catalysts down... just one final push ahead. The sky burned a brilliant orange as they prepared to begin their journey home.
Goten: It would be quicker if we take to the air. Will you be able to manage that, buddy? *Goten asked, his voice laced with concern.*
The battle had taken a harsh toll on Trunks; he had been practically drained of every single drop of his ki. It was an absolute miracle that he had even survived that psychic assault.
Trunks: *He wobbled slightly on his feet, his legs still shaky. Flying? Right now? No way, he thought to himself, rubbing his throbbing temples.* Uh… I think I'll walk, *he admitted honestly.*
Melody: Sit down for a bit. Let me try using my healing motion, *Melody offered gently. She had almost forgotten about her unique healing touch; she hadn't used it since the tournament, and she wasn't entirely sure how her newly altered DNA might affect it. Not yet, anyway.*
Trunks sank onto a nearby rock, profoundly grateful. Melody stepped up and placed her hand flat over his chest. Instantly, her palm began to glow with a soft, modified version of her original healing energy. The pure white light pulsed strangely with faint, emerald-green streaks—the powerful Obsidian DNA had clearly altered the technique.
A sudden, incredibly warm surge of life force flooded Trunks' body. It wasn't just a basic patch-up; the energy stabilized his system and instantly restored his lost stamina at an alarming rate. The color returned to Trunks' face, and he let out a deep, relaxed exhale.
Trunks: *A moment later, Trunks suddenly jumped straight up into the air, practically vibrating with renewed energy.* This feels awesome! I actually feel even stronger than I did before we entered that mountain palace! *he exclaimed, flexing his muscles.*
Goten blinked in utter shock. Melody's healing hadn't just worked—it had completely overperformed. Trunks wasn't just back to normal; he was practically bouncing off the walls.
Goten: Whoa... that actually worked?! *Goten muttered.*
Melody flexed her own fingers, looking at her palms in sheer surprise. Her altered DNA hadn't weakened her gift at all. If anything, it had turned it into something vastly more potent.
Trunks: *He grinned wildly and punched the air.* Alright! Now let's fly!
Without waiting another second, Trunks shot up into the sky like a rocket, leaving both Goten and Melody standing on the ground, momentarily speechless.