The next chapter is up! Enjoy :)
Mia yawned as she gazed out at the buildings before her from her seat on the balcony. She's unsure why, but she's been more tired than usual as of late. She finds herself wondering if it's possible her body isn't all that well adapted to this planet's atmosphere. Even if it's an oxygen-based planet, it's still not Earth.
Surprisingly, time flew by pretty quickly since she first got here. They have been here now for about two and a half months. And has been with Frieza now for a total of eleven months. And within that time, Mia still feels like she still hasn't had him all figured out. Lately, he seems pretty guarded. More so than usual at least. He also seems to be putting more time into his training since they landed here at the base.
Because of this, there were times the ground felt like it was almost constantly vibrating or shaking. This is because despite that he partakes in training far away from the base, his energy attacks can still be felt many miles away. Mia also feels that he may be going a bit overboard with the training too. This obsession with getting stronger being the biggest hint.
He also hasn't really been spending all that much time around her either. And for some reason, Mia can't help but feel a bit hurt by it. She's unsure why she's been feeling that way as of late. Hell, a lot of things haven't really been making much sense to her. Not to mention, some concerns in regarding her wellbeing. Something she still has yet to mention or talk about with anyone. Not even Sorcha, who she's been viewing as a friend since she first got here.
"Mia? You here? I brought up lunch." Sorcha's voice rang out from within the room.
"Out here, on the balcony!" Mia called back.
A few moments later, Sorcha walked out with a food tray. She smiled when she saw Mia sitting back on one of the comfy lounge chairs. The alien woman placed the tray on the small table between the two chairs. Then she sat down on the other chair on the other side of the small round table.
"Hey, just wanted to apologize for not being around much lately to chat. We've been a bit short staffed here lately." Sorcha informed her.
"It's ok. But if you don't mind me asking, why are you guys short staffed? A couple of them taking a vacation or something?" Mia asked.
"Not exactly, you may have not noticed but we've been having a bit of an influx of injured soldiers. Seems Lord Frieza is laying it on a little too thick with the ones he's using as training partners lately. And it's enough to pull people from our staff. Some of which who have second jobs as medics when Frieza is not here. There have been so many badly beaten soldiers going into the Med Building here that they found themselves short of hands over there." Sorcha explained.
Mia wants to believe she wasn't all that surprised when it came to the notorious Galactic Emperor. But it still made her feel no less perturbed on what he was doing to his men. Even if she doesn't think highly of the soldiers, that doesn't mean they deserved to be beaten into a bloody pulp. She also doesn't recall hearing about any increase in soldiers injured by him during training while aboard his ship for the first eight and a half months since he took her from Earth.
She likes to think she would know about it too, because if there is one thing she is sure of is that his men like to gossip. Mia often heard them while walking down the many halls of the ship. The human woman was drawn from her thoughts when Sorcha spoke up again.
"I just hope they don't end up having to pull me next since I have a background in medicine and have worked with the Emergency Crew many a times in the decades I've been here." Sorcha said.
That's right, Mia recalls Sorcha mentioning that a couple of times during the chats they have had. Upon hearing that, she hopes the quirky alien woman doesn't have to go either. She would really have no one to talk to here if she does end up leaving to go to the Med Building. No one else on the staff here was nearly as friendly and tended to ignore the young human woman.
"Yeah, I hope not. You're really the only one I talk to here. I'll also admit that I'm concerned at this news. Putting a good number of his men in the hospital, not to mention if he goes a little too far, he could end up killing them next." Mia said, voice laced with concern.
And she won't mention it upfront, but she was concerned about Frieza as well. Mia can't help that since they got here, the tyrant appears to have been acting...off? She finds herself wondering if it had anything to do with the first day here shortly after arrival. It seems his strange behavior started up not long after. Makes her wonder if it was her. That maybe she said or did something to anger him and that is why he's been rather aloof as of late.
It's to the point where he surprisingly hasn't touched her since that first night. Which was weird to her because while aboard his ship, there were many a times he couldn't keep his hands off of her. Was Frieza in fact finally getting tired of her? And if so, what did he plan on doing with her afterwards? All these rampant thoughts flooded her mind with worry.
Sorcha could tell there was something really troubling Mia by the look on her face.
"Mia? What's troubling you?" Sorcha asked.
She closes her eyes with a sigh before turning her gaze to the alien woman. Mia opened her mouth to say something but stopped short when she saw something that was airborne several meters out behind Sorcha slightly above the buildings. She squinted her eyes as it drew closer. Sorcha turned, trying to follow Mia's gaze. It took her a few moments, but she found out what she was staring at.
The object in question drew closer and the two women could make out three men flying by. Two of them were on either side of the third, holding him by his arms. Mia's eyes widened with a slight gasp. The soldier in question appeared to be gravely injured. It was to the point you could just make out some blood dripping from his body and falling to the ground below.
He was gripping the front of his abdomen, his face twisted in agony. As they drew closer and were about to pass the building the women were at, Mia got a better look at his injuries. Gashes and deep lacerations decorated the man's body from head to toe. His armor looked like it had seen better days and was badly damaged in some areas.
But what got Mia the most was just how bad the wound in his abdomen was. Blood was pouring out of it and leaking through the creases of his fingers as he clutched it. She was overcome with nausea as she thought she saw what looked like pieces of guts or possibly an organ peaking out beneath his hand. She covered her mouth and turned away.
Mia took deep breaths, trying to fight back the nausea and resisting the urge to vomit. And here she thought she was used to seeing gore up to this point after being with him for so long. Guess she was wrong if she felt like she was going to be sick after seeing that grizzly injury. Still, Mia felt it was unlike her to get queasy over these things.
Sorcha sighs, "Guess Lord Frieza went all out again with his training. Poor Greine, I hope they can get him into a healing tank in time. I can tell from here that wound will prove fatal otherwise. And that is saying a lot, considering his race has extremely tough skin and muscles. It's pretty hard to penetrate as it is."
Mia shook her head and turned her attention back to Sorcha with a serious look on her face.
"I'm talking to him tonight. This is insane and it needs to stop. It's not training, not when you're beating your opponent to within an inch of their life and maiming them like that." She said.
Her friend looked to her in astonishment, before it gradually turned into worry and concern.
"Mia, don't. I know you don't want to hear it, but you're not in a place to talk to him about how he proceeds with his training regiments. I worry it won't end well for you if you do. After all, Lord Frieza never did like being told what to do. Especially, by others he believes to be beneath him." Sorcha cautiously warned her.
"I hear you and understand your concern. But this can't continue. Not only is it morally wrong, but if he keeps this up, he won't have a force because he would've decimated a decent size portion of it." Mia replied.
Sorcha fidgeted in her seat.
"It wouldn't be a first time he did that." She mutters.
But Mia still heard her. Her blue eyes widened.
"What!?" She gasped.
"You...you mean you haven't heard? A couple years ago Frieza wiped out his force because they did an atrocious job at fighting some Earthlings. I believe it occurred shortly after his first resurrection and apparently his second visit to Earth." Sorcha informed her.
"You're serious? He literally killed off his whole army?! And for that!?" Mia said, her voice rising with each word.
Why the hell was she acting so surprised? This was Frieza. The guy who wiped out planets for a living. It shouldn't come to as a shock that he'd wipe out his men for not getting the job done. And Mia has seen him do just that. But not on a large scale that involved an entire army. On the ship, it was usually a man or two here or there. Not that that made her feel any less pissed or disgusted.
Her cheeks grew warm, and she felt hot tears roll down her pale cheeks. Mia felt the side of the lounge chair sink down by her hip as Sorcha sat down and started rubbing her arm in comfort.
"I'm sorry, honey. I honestly thought you already knew. Not that that makes it any better. It's horrible no matter how you out it." Sorcha said.
Mia took a shaky inhale and shook her head.
"No, I figure I would've heard it from someone at some point. Maybe even from him. And I'm sorry. I don't know why I suddenly got so emotional. Perhaps all these months being stuck with him are just really starting to take a toll on me mentally." She confessed.
The alien woman felt bad for her. She herself knows what that's like after being subjected to it for the last few decades under his rule. And after all this time, it still never seems to get easier. The only way Sorcha feels she's been able to cope with it after so long, was because she dived right into work every day to occupy and distract herself and her mind.
They chatted a little more on lighter topics to get her mind off of things. Until Sorcha got a call in her earpiece by one of the other staff members saying that she was needed. Both women said their goodbyes before she left and told Mia she will be back up later to give her dinner.
Mia sat back down on the chair on the balcony and pulled her knees up to her chest. Initially, she was going to leave the building and go for a walk around the base, something she started doing not long after she got here. She'd go during the day often while Frieza was out doing business on the base or out doing some training.
The base wasn't all that huge, only a handful of buildings. So, it didn't take her long to navigate around the place. She even stumbled upon one building that had a large game room and entertainment area. A couple soldiers were nice enough to show her how to play some of the games. There were quite a few there, it actually reminded her of a mini arcade.
But the mood she was currently in as well as feeling a little tired kept her from leaving that afternoon. Instead, she decided to stay out on the balcony and fiddle with her tablet. She almost thought about getting a book. When work there was slow, Sorcha was nice enough to try and teach her the basics of the language that was used in writing the books. But Mia knew it still wasn't nearly enough practice for her to decipher any of the books up in his room or the many books in the lounge area where she was currently residing.
The rest of the afternoon dragged on until evening was finally upon this world. And Mia eventually dragged herself off of the balcony and headed back up to his room. Man did she feel out of it still.
When the elevator door opened, she was met with the lovely aroma of food. Sorcha must've brought dinner up, probably forgot Mia was down in the lounge area or thought that she came back up after a while. After exiting the elevator, she turned to head to the table in the room. Only to stop short when she realized she wasn't alone.
Already at the table digging into his food, was Frieza. He looked up briefly upon her entrance before resuming.
"Have a productive day today?" He asked.
Though the way he asked sounded nonchalant or seemingly uninterested. It's been that way for a while now with him. It was like that brief period of him being playful and carefree have all but evaporated after that morning and was replaced with his usual apathetic self like he was the first several months with her.
"Somewhat." Was her abrupt response.
Frieza simply shrugs, but doesn't look up from his meal.
Mia quietly makes her way over and takes her plate and eating utensils from the tray and sits across the table from him. She doesn't say anything to him during the entire meal. Something that made him arch an eye ridge, considering she almost always tried striking up a conversation with him at some point. Instead, she barely glances his way while she quietly ate dinner.
It wasn't until after they have finished eating and the tray was pushed aside, did she finally decide to speak.
"Have a good day nearly killing your men?" She randomly asked, in a somewhat snappy tone.
The random question threw him off. And he gave her questioning looks, before he decided to answer.
"By training and continuing to push myself, yes." He said.
Mia clenched her jaw and her fists at his emotionless answer.
"Was it that? Was it truly the training? Or do you just simply get off on being a fucking sadist?" She snapped.
He narrowed his eyes at her. Just what the hell was wrong with her this evening? Why is she suddenly so angry?
"What is that supposed to mean? And what in the world is wrong with you today?" Frieza quips.
She leans back and levels him with a look.
"What's wrong with me? What is WRONG WITH ME!? FUCK I DON'T KNOW! DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT I'VE BEEN STUCK WITH YOU FOR ALMOST A WHOLE GODDAMN YEAR!? OR THE FACT THAT I'VE SEEN ENOUGH VIOLENCE, DEGRADATION, AND GORE TO LAST ME A LIFETIME FILLED WITH FUCKING THERAPY!? OR THE FACT THAT THE LONGER I STAY OUT HERE WITNESSING IT IS MAKING ME LOOSE A PIECE OF MY HUMANITY AND MY MIND WITH EACH DAY THAT GOES BY!?" Mia yelled.
The tyrant was quite taken aback by the outburst. And by all means not amused by it. Frieza stood from his seat but stayed where he was across from her with only the table between them.
"Watch it, Mia. Or have you forgotten to whom you are speaking to." He snapped.
She lets out a bitter laugh.
"You see that's the thing. I haven't forgotten, Frieza. In fact, I've been reminded of it for all the months I've been with you on your ship. I also recall just how fickle your moods can be too. How one minute you're forcing yourself on me on the bathroom floor in your quarters on the ship, to having me witness how you become gleeful when destroy a planet, and then coming off as normal by being playful and joking around?" She pauses and purses her lips as hot tears roll down her cheeks for the second time that day.
"Are you really just that set on making me lose my mind completely? Just trying to make me crack beyond repair? Is that it?" Mia says, followed by a sob she couldn't hold in.
Frieza doesn't know what to say to that. As much as he's been trying to shut her out these last couple months, he still doesn't wish to see her hurting the way she is right now. He certainly didn't want to drive her to the brink of insanity.
"I'm not. Nor do I wish to." He says, barely above a whisper.
A gasp and a couple more sobs escape her. Not a couple moments later she was suddenly hit with nausea again. And it came back with a vengeance. As much as she tries, Mia cannot hold it down this time. He furrows his eye ridges as she quickly places a hand over her mouth. Frieza opens his mouth to say something. But she suddenly made a mad dash to the back of the room and made a sharp right into the bathroom.
Mia barely made it to the toilet, before she upchucked all she ate for dinner. Her long hair made a dark curtain around her face as she grasped the rim of the toilet and empty all the contents from her stomach.
So caught up, she didn't hear the bathroom door slide open and Frieza walking in as she vomited. She sluggishly pulled away from the toilet and sat back panting. He came over and knelt down beside her. And placed his hand against her forehead then one of her flushed cheeks. She didn't look good and seemed out of it. Enough for him to become deeply concerned.
"You don't feel warm. But that doesn't matter. I'm still calling for a doctor." He said, voice laced with concern.
She shakes her head, "No...no I'm fine. I feel better now." She mutters weakly.
"Sorry, but this isn't up for debate." Frieza says.
And before Mia can protest, he gently picks her up and carries her out of the bathroom. Frieza heads over to the bed with her. He uses his tail to pull back the covers on that side of the large bed, before placing her down, and bringing the covers back up around her.
"Really I'm fine. I just need some rest." She continues.
But Frieza still won't hear of it. He turns to the nightstand and presses a button on the intercom.
"Malon, call Dr. Bananan. Tell him I need him here immediately." The tyrant demanded.
A couple moments went by before he got a reply.
"Yes, My Lord. We'll contact him right away." They said, over the intercom.
There was silence after that. Until Mia spoke again.
"You know, you're making a mountain out of a mole hill. Could be the food just didn't agree with me." Mia said.
He sighs and sits on the edge of the bed by her thigh.
"There is nothing wrong with being careful. Just let the doctor make his own assessment when he gets here." Frieza pauses and turns his crimson gaze to her face. "This hasn't happened before with you. It's possible you could be ill and if you are, the doctor will give you medicine to treat the ailment."
Mia was unsure at first, but she thought she saw a flicker of worry in his eyes. And as much as she hates to admit it, he has a point. She just threw up and had been feeling tired. Better safe than sorry as they say.
Five to six minutes later, the elevator door slid open, and a stocky yellow alien man came in. He had a medium size bag in hand that he carried at his side. He looked around and spotted Frieza along with his human on the bed. As he drew closer, he could see that his Lord appeared fine, but the human woman was lying in bed, as he sat next to her.
"What seems to be the problem, My Lord?" He asks.
"Dr. Bananan, she has just vomited a few minutes ago and appeared quite disoriented and weak. I need you to see what could possibly be ailing her." Frieza stated.
The doctor nods and move over to where the young woman was lying. Frieza got up and moved out of his way so he can work.
"How have you been feeling prior to vomiting, Miss?" Dr. Bananan asks.
Mia lightly shrugs, "Just been feeling a little more tired than usual lately. I...I did feel a slight bout of nausea earlier this afternoon. But it eventually faded away."
He nods, "May I?" He asks, while gesturing to the covers.
She's a bit reluctant but gives him the ok. And he slowly pulls back the covers. The doctor gently palpitates her abdomen all while asking her if she feels any discomfort or pain. Mia says, no. Only that her stomach just feels a bit tender. Nothing felt abnormal.
He reaches into his bag and pulls out a device and lightly places it over the left side of her chest. A small screen pops up, showing her heartbeat and heart rate. The doctor was satisfied with that as well. He then used a small light to look in her eyes, also normal. Then Dr. Bananan pulls out another small device.
"I'm just going to take a small blood sample and run a little test while here. It will give us accurate results within a couple minutes." Dr. Bananan states.
Mia sighs, she hates needles, hates getting blood work done. But something tells her she won't be able to talk her way out of it. She watches as he places something small and rectangular over a vein in the crook of her arm. It kind of reminder her of the top half of a stapler. And she didn't like the looks of it.
There was a faint quick mechanical sound and she tried not to flinch when she felt a sharp pinch. Luckily it was very quick, and not a moment later he pressed a tiny piece of gauze to the injection sight. Then he took the sample that was now within the device and placed it onto another handheld rectangular piece of equipment. He pressed a button on the injector, and it shot the blood sample into the other device.
"As I said, this will only take a couple minutes. Then we will have the results." Dr. Bananan reminded the pair.
To Mia, it felt like a long two minutes. And within that time, she was very nervous. Thinking she may have caught some possible dangerous type of space bug. Even Frieza was a little anxious himself at what the results will display. Though he hid it a lot better than she did.
The device let out a little beep and the screen on it lit up. Dr. Bananan pulled it closer to analyze the findings. His eyes widened with a gasp. His gaze shot to the young woman and briefly to Frieza before going back to the screen.
"It's...it can't be." Dr. Bananan mumbles.
"What? What's wrong!?" Mia blurts out, worry ever present on her face and in her voice.
"What's the matter, Doctor?" Frieza asks.
Dr. Bananan adjust his bifocals before turning his attention back to pair. Surprise was still present in his features.
"It is...strange, My Lord. You're both of completely different races. Different species altogether. And I'm fairly certain it would be slim to none because of this..."
"Stop stalling and tell me what's wrong with her." Frieza snapped, losing his patience.
"She's pregnant, Lord Frieza. And it's astronomical at best. Her odds at being able to conceive a child with you I would say would be...1 in a 1,000. If I had to guess. But it has happened and its there." Dr. Bananan replied.
Mia's breath hitched and she covered her mouth, clearly shocked. Whereas Frieza was good at maintaining a good poker face earlier, now had a clear look of surprise written all over his face.
"I understand if this all comes to a great shock to you both. Odds are, this is a one-time thing, and won't happen again after this. I would highly advise keeping her closely monitored these next several months as her pregnancy progresses. Especially, since we won't know what to expect." The Doctor informed them.
Silence ensued for the next minute before Frieza finally spoke.
"Thank you, Doctor. Anything else?" He asks.
"Don't have her do anything strenuous. She must take it easy. No lifting heavy objects. And I'll return in the morning with vitamins that she will have to take two times a day throughout her pregnancy. And I recommend routine checkups during each trimester to make sure everything is fine with her and the unborn child." Dr. Bananan states.
Frieza gives him a brief nod.
"Alright. Thank you, Dr. Bananan. You are dismissed." The tyrant says.
The doctor gives him a bow of his head.
"You're welcome, My Lord. I would like her brought over to the Base's Medical Building within another two weeks for her first checkup and ultrasound. Have a good evening." He says.
The doctor bid farewell to Mia and told her on the way out to drink plenty of liquids. Afterwards, he left, and now only Mia and Frieza remain. Neither of them said anything at first. Both were still getting over the shock from this unexpected news. She was afraid because she didn't know what to expect. While the tyrant was beside himself and didn't know what to think of it.
This bumpy road just got even bumpier for the unlikely pair and neither of them felt prepared for whatever is to happen next. If what the doctor said held any truth, then this child truly is unique. 1 in 1,000 indeed.
Uh Oh! A surprise bun in the oven! Can only imagine how Frieza and Mia will handle things the next several months and what's to come after. Until Next Time ;)