Training.

The next morning Seth could be seen on his computer playing a game, Thally watched with interest. "huh, It's like early in the morning, why are you playing a game"

Seth chuckled. "Well, today is Sunday, and every Sunday my online friends play a game together and crush everybody" Thally raised an eyebrow looking at his username.

"Smallpea76? and Burning_Blood98?, I mean they are not the best of names," She said looking skeptical.

"Well yeah, I use it so players can think I am a noon" Thally didn't question him and let him do his thing.

[Dude we have a camper at noon]

Seth's fingers flew across the keyboard as he maneuvered his character into position. "Got it. Moving to flank."

Thally watched with keen interest as Seth's character navigated the virtual battlefield. Despite her earlier skepticism, she found herself getting caught up in the excitement.

"Smallpea76, huh? Clever strategy," she mused aloud. "But shouldn't you focus more on training your real abilities?"

Seth glanced at her briefly. "This is training too, in a way. It sharpens my reflexes and strategic thinking. Plus, it's fun."

A message popped up in the game's chat from Burning_Blood98: [Nice flank, Smallpea! Let's push forward!]

Seth smirked. "See, we make a great team." He pressed a few more keys, sending his character charging into the fray.

Thally settled back, observing the intensity of the match. She couldn't help but marvel at Seth's focus and quick reflexes. It was clear he had a knack for this.

After a particularly intense battle, Seth and Burning_Blood98 emerged victorious. The virtual crowd erupted in cheers, and a victory screen flashed across the monitor.

"Another win in the bag," Seth said, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied grin.

[Good game, Smallpea! Same time next week?] Burning_Blood98 messaged.

[Absolutely! See you then!] Seth replied.

He turned to Thally, who was now looking at him with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "That was impressive. Maybe this gaming thing isn't so bad after all."

Seth chuckled. "Told you. Now, how about we get some breakfast? I'm starving."

Going downstairs he went to the kitchen. "Good morning Mom"

Helen looked up from the stove, smiling warmly. "Good morning, Seth. You're up early. Did you and your friend have a good game?"

Seth nodded, pulling out a chair at the kitchen table. "Yeah, we did. Thally even watched and seemed to enjoy it."

Helen glanced at Thally, who was perched on Seth's shoulder. "Good morning, Thally. Did you have fun watching Seth play?"

Thally gave a small nod. "It was interesting. I didn't expect to get so caught up in it."

Helen chuckled as she set a plate of pancakes in front of Seth. "Well, I'm glad you both had a good time. Now, eat up. We've got a busy day ahead."

Seth dug into his breakfast, the warm pancakes and syrup a comforting start to the day. Seth gave Thally some grasshoppers.

Thally eagerly snapped up the grasshoppers, her eyes gleaming with delight. "Thanks, Seth. These are delicious!"

Seth smiled, taking another bite of his pancakes. "Glad you like them.

After they were done eating, Seth decided to go out. "Mom I am going out, I will be back in the afternoon.

Helen looked at Seth with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Where are you off to, honey?"

Seth shrugged, slipping on his jacket. "Just out to the park. Thought I'd get some fresh air and maybe practice a bit."

Helen nodded, her expression softening. "Alright, but be careful. And make sure Thally stays out of trouble."

Thally puffed up her cheeks in mock indignation. "I never cause trouble!"

Seth chuckled, patting Thally on the head. "Yeah, sure. Let's go."

The morning air was crisp and refreshing as Seth and Thally made their way to the park. The trees were lush and green, and a few early risers were out for their morning jogs or walking their dogs. Seth found a secluded spot under a large oak tree and sat down, Thally perching beside him.

"Okay, that time turning your hands into vines took a lot of energy, turn your hair into vines instead" Thally said with an enthusiastic tone

Hearing her suggestion, Seth closed his eyes and tried, he imagined his hair was like a simple tree that grew leaves, so he decided to replicate how plants grow slowly and carefully.

He felt a strange tingling sensation as the hair on his head started to change. Strands of his hair elongated and thickened, turning a deep green as they intertwined and grew leaves. Thally watched intently, her eyes wide with fascination.

"You're doing great, Seth!" she encouraged. "Just a little more."

With a final burst of effort, Seth's hair fully transformed into a cascade of leafy vines. He opened his eyes which now looked a bit green with a slit in the middle.

His hair felt natural. "oh I feel like my hair became a plant?"

Thally then gave him a mischievous smile. "Well you kind of did imagine that, but do not worry, it cannot change back but since your hair was originally brown you can make it look and feel like it" Seth gave her a blank stare and suddenly had an urge to throw her. he did as she says and his hair turned brown again, it looked natural.

"Tell me this is the only permanent change," He said in an almost pleading tone. "Calm down, the only reason your body did that was because it can gather energy more, and I am connected to you symbiotically, so I just made it less noticeable." Thally said proudly.

Seth let out a relieved sigh, though he still felt a bit uneasy about the permanent change. "Alright, as long as it helps me get better."

Thally nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Now, let's practice some more. Try to extend the vines from your hair and control their movement."

Seth focused, feeling the familiar tingling as the vines reappeared. This time, he concentrated on making them grow and move. The vines extended, twisting and curling in various directions. It felt strange but empowering.

Thally clapped her hands. "Perfect! Now, see if you can make them grab something."

Seth spotted a small branch on the ground and directed the vines towards it. Slowly, they wrapped around the branch and lifted it into the air. Seth grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

"You're getting the hang of it!" Thally exclaimed. "Just remember to practice regularly."

They continued practicing for a while longer, with Seth becoming more adept at controlling the vines. Eventually, he decided it was time to head back home.

As they walked back, Seth felt a renewed sense of confidence. "Thanks, Thally. I couldn't have done this without you."

Thally smiled. "That's what partners are for. We'll keep improving together."

When they arrived home, Helen was waiting for them in the living room. "Welcome back, Seth. How was your practice?"

Seth smiled, his hair back to its normal brown. "It went well, Mom. Thally's been a great help."

Helen nodded approvingly. "I'm glad to hear that. Just remember to take breaks and not overexert yourself. By the way, your father is looking for you in his lab"

Seth's interest was piqued. "Dad's lab? I wonder what he wants."

Helen shrugged, a knowing smile on her face. "He said it was something important. You should go and see."

Seth nodded, heading toward the basement door. After opening the door he saw his dad looking through some readings on his computer.

"Hey Dad, Mom said you needed me," Seth said, Thally who now formed legs was swinging it on his shoulder. William then looked at him with a smile.

"Ah Seth, come sit here, let me run some tests on you to check your health" Serh pursed his lips, he doesn't like checkups

William with a dry cough looked at Seth with a hint of guilt. "I promise it won't be as long as last time, and also it won't hurt, it's only just five injections"

Seth glared at him. "Five injections? That's supposed to make me feel better?" Seth groaned, but he relented and took a seat. "Alright, let's get this over with."

William chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Seth. It's for your good. These injections are to make sure you get a proper night of sleep today, you have too much energy" Seth sighed, and he reluctantly gave him his hand.

William carefully prepared the injections, his expression serious but kind. Thally watched from Seth's shoulder, her tiny legs swinging back and forth in anticipation.

As the first injection went in, Seth winced slightly but stayed still. "Just think of it as another way to help you improve," William said reassuringly.

After the injections were done, William checked Seth's vitals and nodded in satisfaction. "You're looking good, Seth. Keep up the training with Thally, and remember to balance it with some rest."

Seth rubbed his arm, feeling a bit sore but relieved that the checkup was over. "Thanks, Dad."

After that, Seth went upstairs to get ready for bed, tomorrow is school and no class meant an entire day of training with Emily.