Hello. I just want to quickly thank all of those who have been enjoying the story through their reviews. Thank you!
Now, back to the story.
Aw man…I can't be lost! Not now! Not here especially!
I kept walking around from hallway to hallway where I originally began, and losing hope of finding Appule any time soon with each step. Using my scouter was out of the question, and surrre. I could ask someone where I can find him or at least point me in the direction to where the training rooms are but, quite frankly I don't want to talk to anyone here.
"Shit," I cursed in my head. "I'm already lost in this damn place! First it's learning I'm going to be a soldier in this hellhole, then it's possibly screwing over the entire universe and now this-!"
I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder and my skin began to crawl at the worst possible idea.
Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
I slowly turned around, ready to start running, and saw Appule.
"…how the hell did you find me," was all I managed to say as he let go. My fear turning into anger for him scaring me like that, and ignoring the voice questioning myself if it was a good idea to say that.
"With this," he replied bluntly, pointing to his scouter. "It was easy to track you thanks to your power level. Though, I guess I owe you an apology for not waiting for you outside of Lord Frieza's office as I didn't think Lord Frieza will let you out early from your meeting."
"Oh…and it-it's…it's alright…sorry," I mumbled, my rage subsiding and my eyes shifting towards the ground.
"Good. C'mon, let's go to the cafeteria and get you something to eat."
I was about to ask about my training but my stomach rumbled loudly the moment he finished talking. I stood there frozen as my cheeks began burning red. Breathing through my nose, and I nodded my head. He laughed and I meekly followed behind, wishing the ground would open up and swallow me whole.
The cafeteria was remotely close and by far the largest room yet. There were rows of tables neatly separated from each other, and roughly a little further away was a counter where soldiers were lined up alongside it. Just barely from what I can see, behind the counter was a rather large alien putting something on the trays of the soldiers. Walking further inside the room, I spotted another entrance at the other end of the room where some soldiers were walking out or walking in and waiting in line for a different counter closer to that end. It honestly kind of reminded me of old elementary school's cafeteria except way bigger and filled with soldiers talking up a storm with whoever they sat with.
My eyes continued to wander around the room while making sure I kept moving along with the line. I only briefly looked forward when I saw in my peripheral vision I saw Appule grab two trays and hand one to me. I grabbed onto it and awkwardly mimicked his movements as he grabbed utensils, and a glass before held his tray up towards the alien who I saw earlier just plop an abomination of food on his tray.
By the look of Appule's face or rather lack thereof a reaction to begin with, I assumed the food was going to be the type it looks like shit but tastes amazing or…like shit. I stared at the alien behind the counter awkwardly and muttered a very faint thank you as I received my food. He simply gave a huff as I went away to catch up to Appule.
A part of my brain was thankful Appule chose a spot not too occupied by other soldiers to sit down and eat. Luckily far away from the large alien behind the counter too as I couldn't help but pick at the food. Eventually I scooped some of it on my spoon before taking a hesitant bite from it. Okay…it doesn't taste too bad- hurk! I started coughing the moment after I swallowed down my food and tasted a weird after taste. I grabbed onto my glass and downed a fistful of water.
"Welcome to the life of luxury…," Appule halfheartedly and sarcastically laughed and continued eating.
"I-Is the food you guys eat every single time," I coughed, slapping a hand behind my back. I swear if I have to eat this crap for the rest of the time I'm stuck here then this is going to-.
"Nope," he replied. "The menu changes every day but that doesn't mean the chef can actually cook it right."
Damn it but fine. I can work with this for now. It's better than starving, and not only does this cover me but also the kids- oh crap. The kids!
"And I still need to feed Lily and Travis," I groaned quietly to myself, taking another bite. What kind of guardian am I if I can't even feed two kids?! They're going to hate me more and-!
"Don't worry about them," Appule said and I sat there stiff. Crap, he heard what I said. "That's actually why I wasn't there waiting for you when you were speaking with Lord Frieza. I picked them up and took them here to eat. They reacted the same way you did when they took a bite of this garbage."
"O-Oh…t-thank you…you didn't n-need to do that…," I replied, staring down at my food. Why did he do that? That was…awfully nice of him, especially from what I remember from him in the manga…Had I been too quick to judge? I gripped tightly onto my utensil. No, I shouldn't expect much from him. It probably was a onetime help anyway. Yeah…it probably was that…
We walked out of the cafeteria in complete silence after "finishing" our food, the volume of sound around us changing dramatically from the loud cafeteria to the almost silent hallways filled with the occasional chatter of other soldiers. We kept walking down a few more hallways before coming up a closed door. Man, I probably should start memorizing this place if I'm going to be stuck here for a while. I don't want to get lost again nor depend on my "teacher" either. Appule pressed a few buttons on the pad where the door beeped opened and we stepped inside.
The room was fairly simple but upon closer inspection to the walls and ground, I manage to make out a variety of marks. Ranging what looked like scraps, actual dents, and burn marks. My stomach turned at the kind of training they did here, remembering how Goku trained when he was heading to Namek. Actually, do they even take training seriously here?
"Alright then, today marks the first day of your training," Appule said, bringing my attention back to him. "Put your scouter here so it doesn't get damaged."
He was suddenly standing next to a small counter. That wasn't there before but as I detached the scouter from my ear, I noticed it actually was connected to the wall. Placing my scouter next to his, I looked back to face him to see he was now standing in the middle of the room. A part of me felt nervous and dreaded a little for however this was going to turn out, yet there was another part that felt oddly excited to learn.
"Okay, for your first day of training," Appule said, as if he didn't just say that a few minutes ago. He just seemed as nervous as I was from the sound of his voice. "We'll start with the basics today to get you in shape before I teach you real fighting."
I actually really didn't know how to react to what he said. Sure, I'm not exactly the fittest looking person ever but I'm not fat either. Probably at best I'm a little bit overweight but okay, sure, I'll go along seeing I'm in no position to argue with him nor if he meant it like that. I'll give him benefit of the doubt this time.
I gave a quick nod and began the exercises he instructed me to do. I did some stretches before Appule ordered me to do a set of pushups. Okay, not my favorite exercise but if I want any chance of surviving here, I need to oblige for now. While I was doing them, it kind of reminded me how I used to do this exactly back in PE except, I started noticing he was actually counting each pushup I did.
"U-Uh…," I spoke up, stopping what I was doing and praying I will not get in trouble for it. "W-Why are you counting…?"
"I'm counting to see how many can you do before you get tired or can't manage to do it properly anymore," Appule explained, arms crossed. "It's going to give me some idea on where you stand right now physically so I can set up your training accordingly for future sessions. Now keep going."
Crap, I don't even want to know how much I can do! I avoided looking at him after I went back doing pushups and just followed along with what he asked me to do next. Doing my best to shut out his counting as I continued with sit-ups, squats and a few more exercises I never heard their names where he had to explain them to me. Finally, finishing it up with ten laps around the room, great.
Needless to say, I was panting like a dog and sweating like crazy. My arms were already sore from the shots I received last night and they sure as hell are going to hurt longer after all of this. One thing for certain though, I can now officially say I hate these stupid hip guards. I can't understand how the hell can Appule walk normally or imagine how to fight with them on and with the crotch guard to add too.
"We'll take a break for a few minutes," Appule said while I was fanning myself with my hands and hunched over trying hard not puke for forcing myself to run faster than I'm capable of.
Oh my gosh, what did I get myself into?! First day of training and I already want to quit. Oh what am I even thinking?! I can't be complaining or judging myself right now! Of course it's going to be hard! This is nothing what I am used to doing back at home in the first place!
"Now onto the next part of our training," Appule said, walking towards a pad of buttons on the wall next to the counter. "Let see how good you are with energy attacks."
Uh-oh.
"E-Energy," I repeated hesitantly, raising my head up.
"As in this," he replied, stopping in his tracks and turning to look over at me. In his hand, he formed a small ki ball.
I stared down at the small ball of ki in wonder as I wasn't seeing it through an animated television series or on some paper but actually right in front of me. But…
"O-Oh," I forced myself to focus and spoke up again. Fiddling with my fingers as I stood straight back up. "I know about it but I call it "ki"…"
"That's good to hear," he said, throwing the ball of ki behind him and causing a small explosion against the wall. "Even though you are from a different dimension and an Earthling but seeing you know what I'm talking about it…"
A tight feeling began to spread around my chest. I need to speak up. C'mon me, it shouldn't be this hard! I need to speak up, I need to speak up, I need to speak up, I need to speak up-.
"I don't know how to do it," I said quickly, staring down at the ground but feeling relief over my chest. It's better to tell him now and I can only imagine his reaction if I had told him later.
Taking a deep breath, I risked looking back up at him. He had stopped on his tracks again and was looking at me. A slight panicked look on his face as he stared down at me.
"W-What do you mean 'you don't know how to do it'," he asked, his voice shaky in the beginning.
"I-I c-can't do it…," I numbly repeated, eyeing the small burn mark on the wall where the ki attack hit it and hesitating with every word I said next. "It-It's…it's impossible to do that in my dimension…"
"S-So y-you-you can't do it," he said, the shakiness in his voice very audible than before but he paused again. I took his silence to gaze back over him and saw his face turned into sheer terror.
I shook my head, even holding my hand out where nothing appeared as I tried forming one. His face paled as his sheer terror went into absolute panic. He turned his back towards me and I faintly heard him mutter to himself about something while I stewed over what he could possibly be saying. He kept glancing at me every so often before rushing over to where our scouters laid and picked his up.
"He's hopeless," I muttered in my thoughts, yet my hands shook over my own nervousness for fessing up.
"H-Hello Lord Devple," Appule said through his scouter. "…You don't happen to be busy today are you? … You're not? Perfect- I mean…! W-Well…I have a new soldier here who doesn't know how to control her energy…and…"
I wasn't able to hear the rest of the conversation as he looked back at me before stepping out of the room with the door shutting behind him. I awkwardly sat down on the floor cross legged after a few seconds and fiddled with my thumbs, trying to calm down and organize my thoughts. I might as well take advantage of the sudden time to myself.
Okay…other than that fiasco, how the hell am I and the kids are going to get back home? If I can't make it then I at least need to find a way the kids to be able to go back. A pang of guilt ran through me as I thought of them stuck in our quarters for the majority of the time I have been gone. They must be bored and terrified out their minds…I'll need to have them do something productive to distract them of this hellish reality we're in but with what? Probably with some toys if soldiers even get paid here or if there was even a place to buy toys.
Another thing too, despite having zero confirmation, but seeing how my meeting with Frieza went, I am in a time where Goku hasn't met Bulma yet. Then I can't count on Goku or anyone from the Z team to help me out. Hell, I can't even count on Vegeta if he's younger than me. That just leaves me on my own with that machine and possibly the Dragon Balls as my means of escape. But, the machine is currently out of commission unless Frieza orders them to fix it. Then I can learn how to use it somehow without drawing suspicion onto myself. If not that, then the Dragon Balls are my next best bet. I just need to get a hold to one set and then I can wish us back-.
"Get your ass up from the ground," Appule's voice snapped me away from my thoughts. "We have a special guest to give you a heads up on how to control your energy."
"R-Right away," I said, scrambling up to my feet.
"Why can't you teach me yourself, dumbass," I didn't bother stopping myself from thinking.
Walking behind Appule was this alien wearing something similar to what Malaka and Planthorr wore, and he appeared to be of the same kind as Burter but way older and smaller in height. I stared a bit dumbfounded as the alien walked closer to me.
"So you're the new recruit from another dimension I have been hearing about," the old alien said rather amusingly. I glanced up at Appule who was motioning me to bow.
"Uh…it's a pleasure to meet you…," I said awkwardly, bowing as I realize I didn't know this guy's name. Appule slapped a hand over his forehead but the old alien just laughed.
"The name is Devple," the old alien replied. "Now…I heard you can't control your energy?" I nodded my head. "Well, aren't you hopeless?"
"L-Lord," Appule exclaimed with fear.
"Oh don't start freaking out yet Appule," Devple snapped at him. "She's only hopeless now and perhaps you too for giving up so easily just because it came naturally to you, it doesn't mean you could have at least explained on how to do it."
"It's quite easy lassie," Devple said, his voice dramatically changing to a softer tone as he directed his attention back to me. He held his shaky hands somewhat close together, a small ball of light forming in between it. "Unlike your buffoon of a mentor, it's very simple on how to call on your energy. Just clear your mind and focus it in between your hands. I suggest you focus on that first!"
He didn't direct that last sentence to me, rather more towards Appule and I couldn't help but hold back my laughter upon seeing his reaction. Devple left immediately after giving Appule another earful to where I was now sitting a few feet apart from Appule who sat there watching me as I tried to form a light of ki.
Okay, I kind of remembering seeing Gohan do this when he was teaching Videl on how to fly. Plus with what Devple said, it doesn't sound too hard even though my arms are exhausted right now. I just need to empty my mind and focus my ki in between my hands. Just focus… and-.
"Well now Maria. Welcome to the Frieza Force."
I can't cry…
You deserve their hate anyway…
You know how some look at you…
How long till you crack under this new pressure-.
I didn't even realized I had closed my eyes when I flung them open and stared wildly at the floor. I clutched my legs tightly, grimacing for failing something so simple. Or at least…it sounded easy…. I won't be able to learn how to fly or blast stuff if I have these thoughts running around. I need to keep them under control if I want to live. Unless…it's expected for me to unable to do it in the first place.
I clenched my hand tightly on the latter thought. I can improve my physical strength all I want but…I won't last long here if I can't do the same thing as these guys…Especially on how long it will take me to get to at least one of my escape routes.
"Well, we can always try again tomorrow," Appule said, probably reading the frustration on my face, and I hoped he didn't see my worry. "I think that will be enough for today too. I have a pretty good idea now on where to move forward with your training."
I nodded weakly, picking myself up from the ground. So much for not judging myself…
"You don't mind if we do a quick stop before I take you back to your quarters do you," Appule suddenly ask. I shook my head and besides, I don't have much of an option either seeing my situation earlier in the day.
We stopped along another closed door where he commanded me to wait outside as what he needed to do wasn't going to take so long before entering inside by himself. I didn't argue back but I sure as hell felt stupid standing there as soldiers walked past by. But he was right as it didn't take him long to come back with something in his hand. I didn't ask nor didn't speak again until we arrived back at the door to my quarters.
"This is for you," Appule said, handing me a book of sorts with a piece of paper sticking out from the pages. I was a bit caught off guard but I carefully grabbed the book and slipped the piece of paper out.
"…what is it," I asked dumbly.
"A guide to help you know the standard Frieza Force rules and whatnot. And that piece of paper is actually a check for 1000 credits," he replied.
"C-Credits?"
"It's the standard currency everybody uses under the Frieza Force," he explained. "Usually new recruits don't get their first check till the end of their first month but Lord Frieza ordered to give me one to you seeing you and those two runts' didn't bring anything."
He then eyed my hair and my face started burning again as I completely forgot how much of a mess my hair can be when I wake up. Aw man, and I have been walking around here looking like a weirdo for all to see.
"So when you say 1000…," I said, trying to change the topic quickly while pushing my hair back. "You mean a 1000 credits…r-right?"
"Yup. Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow again. Enjoy your free time before you get assigned to do stuff around here."
He waved me off and left. I stared down at the book which was actually written in English with their standard language underneath the English text. I then eyed over to the check. Holy crap, if Appule understood me correctly, I already had a thousand bucks in my name here. I can definitely buy the kids some toys and a brush and other things for us to live off here for the upcoming days!
I placed the check back inside the book and set them down alongside the wall. I quickly undid my ponytail and combed my hair down with my fingers before redoing my ponytail. Picking up the book, I entered inside the room.
"Let's go outside," I said to Lilly and Travis, trying to sound confident, my hand flipping the book open and scanning the table of contents for the two things I was looking for. They both shot me a confused look and unsure glance between themselves.
Well…at least I sure hope there was something outside of this base. Or that no one was going to try and stop me from leaving here just to explore.
Holy crap, I wasn't expecting this. Looking up from the map inside the book, I gawked at the city some steps away from the base. When I read the map earlier, I didn't expect the city to be this close from the base. Mentally shrugging my shoulders, I waved the kids to keep following me.
I had to admit though, the city looked impressive and kind of pretty from its unique building designs. It was also rather lively as I saw a multitude of aliens walking around as literal space cars flew across the sky like they did in Star Wars. A variety of shops littered the streets along with what I assumed were apartments. Built alongside was a track where a railway passed by loudly before the surrounding area grew quiet again, except for the continuing chatter of the people around us.
The kids still clung onto me as we walked but they appeared more relaxed compared to when we were walking around the base trying to find the stupid bank just to deposit my check. Good, that put me at ease knowing they can relax around here despite the new and strange surroundings.
I did look back towards the base that stuck out like a sore thumb. From this distance, I was still able to make out a few ships leaving from the general vicinity of the base. I shivered at the thought when Frieza will order me on missions. Hopefully never…
We spent our sweet time walking around the city trying to finding a supermarket of sorts to get the items we need to have. I also took the time in taking the new environment and the reveling in the fact I didn't have real duties based on what Appule said earlier. Better to memorize where some places are here to escape from the base and should my not completed plan fall through.
I frowned to myself when we entered the store after finding it. No, I really need to hope for the best outcome but…I glanced down at my new bank card. I stared quietly at the alien print with my name displayed on the card. I haven't been here a full day and I already have a new account… Putting my card away, I eyed over to where Lilly and Travis were picking out their toys. Well, I need to hope for the best, for their sake in the end.
Then again, it can't hurt to take the worst possibility into account. But, will I even be alive if Frieza catches wind of what I'm planning? He definitely is not the type to let betrayals slide past him unless the person in question can still prove useful to him seeing he did offer Vegeta to work for him again back in Resurrection F. In that case with me, he probably will let me live, but… My skin crawled at the scenario as we waited in line to order food at a random fast food place we found after we left the store. My hunger flying out the window.
Could I even live such a life then if the worst possibility comes true?
I woke up to a dark room. Raising my head up from my newly bought pillow quietly, I squinted over to the bed to see Lilly and Travis fast asleep. I went to pick up my phone to check the time until I remembered it didn't work and picked up my scouter instead. …I don't know how to work it either. Crap, so much to checking the time. Forcing myself to get up, I quietly snuck into the bathroom to get ready for the day.
"Okay," I thought while brushing my hair. "We have supplies now, and a book that's already useful. That map inside it can certainly help with finding that machine so I will focus my effort on that for now. I guess I can start exploring after dinner today. The sooner, the better, and actually. That's right…It probably has a page on how to work a scouter too. That can be useful too-."
A knock came from outside as I stepped out of the bathroom. Well then, now I know what time it is as who else will be knocking at our quarters. One terrible thought did flash across my mind but I threw it away as quickly as it had come.
"I see you went and bought a brush," Appule joked as I opened the door. I was too late to stop the frown on my face as he cracked up.
Jackass.
Though I did silently glare at him as I followed from behind, while forcing myself to pay attention to the path he was taking us to the cafeteria. I especially don't want a repeat from yesterday and the possibility should I ever lose the book. I tried focusing on anything noticeable or eye catching for me to remember my way but holy crap, all the hallways look the same around here. At least the aisles at the store back in my dimension looked different by the items on the shelf but then again, it didn't take me that long to memorize the store layout so it shouldn't be any different here either.
Training lasted longer and my arms ached with pain from yesterday's exercise, not adding the soreness from my vaccination shots and to think I still have another batch to do. Appule had me focus a lot more with stretching my arms and legs before we began with the rest of the exercises. Thank goodness it's just me and him so far. I don't think I can imagine training with others like him and being a sight show to watch as the Earthling tries to get strong like the rest of them. Especially with another aspect I can't manage to use yet…
I walked tiredly back to my quarters afterwards and hoping I was taking the same path from earlier in the day before my mind wandered back to the kids. Aw shit, they must be starving right now. I can't have those two constantly being hungry in the mornings and waiting for me to come back. I'll need to either get up earlier to get them food or grow the guts to ask my "teacher" if I can bring them along or something to that degree. No matter, once I get the scouter to work, that issue should be resolved.
"W-Where are you going," Travis asked after we returned back from the cafeteria.
"I'm going to explore around a bit," I replied, grabbing onto the book. "I need you guys to stay put here okay? Afterwards, let see if we can find a park for you guys to play at."
Both of their faces perked up at that, and eagerly nodded their heads in agreement. I gave a small smile before leaving the room. Okay, I can do this. It's not going to hurt just to look around, right? I have a map this time so yesterday will not repeat itself.
With the map open, I scanned the page as I headed to the left. Let see here… Scanning the map, and quietly grumbling that any locations were written in their language, I flipped back and forth between the map and the alphabet, trying to locate the area that had to be the mechanics unit while trying to rack my memory the night I came here in the first place.
Are you sure you should be wandering alone?
Damn it, not now. I somehow managed to wander around yesterday without any creeps so as long as I keep to myself and check my surroundings, I'm good. I looked up from my book only to make direct eye contact with two soldiers. My face flushed as I immediately looked back down at my book and I heard them snicker as I walked passed them.
"Don't follow me, don't follow me, don't follow me…," I kept running in my head, straining my ears to hear anything from behind.
After hearing nothing and even doing a quick behind me, I relaxed when I didn't see anyone. Cursing quietly at myself, I put my focus back as to why I was even out of my room right now. I need to find that machine. The sooner, the better and the quicker I can learn as to how it works. Course, how exactly am I going to do that? …I'll worry about that when I get to it.
Hallway after hallway, I slowly grew confident I was heading in the right direction if I translated the areas correctly. In the meantime, I took in my surroundings and I really had to admit to myself that seeing all this alien architecture was so cool. Too bad the circumstances that led me to be here sucked.
At some point I passed an entry way that led to a closed bridge, and I stopped in my tracks. When I think of it, I remember crossing something like this from that night. A small smile across my face as I went through the entry way. Both sides of the walls was entirely of glass, and I stared out in awe at the sights before me. To my left, I could see the city from yesterday all alight despite the sun hadn't fully set yet. To my right, there were a few lights spread out apart but now that I actually take a closer look, there seems to be something behind the base-.
I felt myself walk into someone and my blood immediately froze.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!
"Hey," the soldier I walked into, yell. "Watch where you're walking-!" He turned around with an annoyed look on his face but it immediately went away as a look of curiosity before...recognition?
"Well, well, look who finally decides to show her face," the soldier said, hands, or rather, hand on his hip as his other hand was holding onto an arm cannon.
"I-I'm s-so s-sorry," I stammer, my face growing redder by the second as I shook where I stood. "I-I…I-I d-didn't mean to-."
"Hey, why are you shaking? You only bumped into me. Course, I wasn't carrying anything so you got lucky interdimensional Earthling," he said, cutting me off. "Next time, I would watch where you are walking because most of the higher ups won't hesitate to put you in your place if you know what I mean."
I stared dumbfounded at him. How does he know me- wait- right, right! Malaka said that rumors spread like wildfires here. So that answers that question but now the new one: how the hell am I going to get away from him? Right now, I'm standing here like an idiot!
"So Lord Frieza made you a soldier? You must have some power level for him to do that-," he continued rambling, pressing up against the side of his helmet where a scouter appeared over his left eye. He stopped as the scouter beeped and I died inside as he read the number. "Only a power level of 3? Why the hell is someone weak as you parading around in a soldier's uniform?"
"B-Because…F-Frieza s-said so…," I muttered, staring down at my feet.
"Well a power level like that, no way are you going to last here for long." I flinched when he said that. "But seeing you are new here and therefore I outrank you, I guess I'll teach you everything you need to know how to survive around here rookie!"
…h-huh?
"What the hell is going on here," a familiar voice called down the bridge.
Looking back, for once I was actually happy to see Appule. He walked towards us, eyeing the other soldier with an annoyed look as he stopped next to me.
"Appule," the other soldier said. "I'm just talking to my newest student and the interdimensional Earth-."
"I know exactly who she is already, Raspberry," Appule said dryly, cutting him off. "And for your information, she actually happens to be my student."
"Ha! Yeah right but I guess her learning from the both of us would help her chances around here-."
"I actually mean it! Lord Frieza himself personally assigned Maria here as my student. You can ask him yourself if you don't believe me."
Raspberry's face soured as he scowled at Appule, clearly talking to Frieza was something he was not too keen on doing. He rolled his eyes before adverting his attention back to me.
"So your name's Maria, huh? You heard it already but the name's Raspberry and you can think me as the cooler mentor between me and Mr. Uptight over here."
"N-Nice to meet you…," I manage to say, holding back my snort at the nickname. Especially when I glanced over towards Appule to see his reaction.
"H-Hey, you don't have to listen to him," Appule said to me before looking back at Raspberry. "As for you, I know exactly what I'm doing that I don't need your help."
"Oh really," Raspberry said smugly, crossing his arms. "Hey Maria, that book in your hands, it wouldn't be the Frieza Force Official Guide right?" I awkwardly nod my head, gripping the book tightly. "Okay, try reading this then without using the handy translator page."
He held his arm cannon out in front of him, and I stood there confused before taking a closer a look. On there was something scratched out to the side of his arm canon which actually now really stood out in comparison to the rest of the arm cannon's condition the longer I looked. I mentally began to panic, way too nervous to look at either reaction as I stood there quietly like an idiot.
"Well would you look at that Appule," Raspberry snorted before bursting with laughter. "Poor Maria can't even read!"
"I-I c-can read," I found myself snapping at him, much to his actual surprise. "I j-just c-can't…"
I trailed off, staring down at the ground while fuming with embarrassment. Maybe I should have just stayed in my room after all…
"Okay, I get what you're trying to say," Appule finally spoke up. "What do you suggest you do-?"
"Me? Pft, she's not my student. That's your problem to solve," Raspberry said and began to walk away.
"B-But…Y-You said…!"
"Hey, you said it yourself, Lord Frieza made her your student! I'll be seeing you two around more then! Later!"
With that, he waved his hand and disappeared behind a corner. I stared dumbfounded where he was last visible before looking back to Appule. He was muttering something under his breath while glaring ahead before letting out a deep sigh and gazed over towards me with a tired look.
"You better start hoping he doesn't start bringing Blueberry along or else we're really in for it," he said dryly.
"O-Okay…" I said confusedly. I can only imagine what he meant by that…
"But I have to give that bastard some credit. I can train you all I want but if you can't even read or write, then any task delegated to you that isn't fighting, well, you're screwed." He muttered something else but I couldn't catch what he said. "I'll probably come up with something soon to fix that small issue but other than that, I don't see you around with those two runts, so what are you doing out here alone?"
"T-They have names you know…," I mumble, glancing away. Shit, I can't let him know I was looking for the machine! C'mon Maria, just tell him you were looking around. He can't become suspicious over that…right? "I w-was just looking around seeing I'll be s-stationed here, I might as well look around. D-Don't want a repeat from yesterday, r-right?"
I nervously gazed back at him, forcing a small smile on my face to appear normal and totally not panicking inside. Oh Lord, please let him fall for it, please let him fall for it…
"That makes sense, this place is like a maze to newcomers like you," he finally responded after a few seconds of horrible quietness. "Do you want me to show you the rest of this place-?"
"I a-actually promised Lilly and Travis I would take them to a park! And the sun is setting soon so I better hurry back to my room while there is still some light-."
"Hey, you don't mind if I join you? I'll need to head towards the city to help fix your reading problem."
FUCK.
I watch absentmindedly as Lilly and Travis ran around, giggling with the other kids at the park, glancing ever so often behind me at the bookstore conveniently close by to see whenever Appule popped out.
Okay, today could have gone worse. I could have been caught in my lie or bumped into another soldier with not so innocent intentions like Raspberry so that's that. At least Lilly and Travis are playing with other kids and having fun so I know can I take them out here every day. Having Appule tag along with us, not so much but it's only for this time and I'll be only be seeing him strictly during training afterwards.
I groaned and rubbed my hands over my forehead, feeling a headache kicking in. Damn it, I should have bought painkillers yesterday so this growing headache will go away and help with my tired ass arms-.
"Are they tiring you out already," Appule's voice jokingly said next to me.
"WHAT THE F- HRMMMMMMMM," I screamed. I physically jumped from where I sat and forced myself not to curse in front of children. Taking a deep breath through my nose, I held back my urge to glare at him. "No. They are not. This isn't my first rodeo with dealing with younger kids."
"You babysat or something like that back in your dimension," he asked, taking the empty spot next to me.
"No, I'm the oldest of three so I obviously had to watch over my younger siblings. So watching over younger kids is no different."
My mind stopped. Why did I tell him that? I could have just told him I'm used to watching over those younger than me. I didn't tell him about my family. Argh, I probably forgot who I was even talking to-.
"I know that feeling very well," Appule said, letting out a small chuckle. "Except I had to watch over five siblings growing up until I joined the Force, and now Manza stuck doing that."
I stared at him quietly. He still has a family? What am I thinking, of course he probably does based off that one filler episode and the Episode of Bardock. His kind must be the few that still has their planet intact in this hellhole. But just now, when he was talking about his family…
…had I really been too quick to judge him?
"It will be night any second now," Appule said, looking up at the sky. "We better head back to the base now."
"Y-Yeah…," I muttered. "Lilly! Travis! We're heading back now!"
As if like a switch, their faces dropped and they said goodbye to the remaining kids before walking back over to me. They were back to being silent once again, and they stared fearfully at Appule, staying directly on my side.
…I can only imagine what they are thinking now.
I stared quietly at the ceiling, silently listening to the sound of footsteps and doors opening and closing outside of the room. Glancing at the table, I grabbed onto my scouter and stared at it. If I only knew how to work this thing, then I wouldn't come back to the room with Lilly and Travis telling me that they are-.
On cue, I heard the dreaded knocks and forced myself up of my "bed". Luckily they didn't stir from their sleep as I opened the door and left the room. Facing Appule, I awkwardly gave him a smile which he most definitively wasn't expecting that by his reaction.
"You're in a rather good mood this early morning," Appule said as we waited in line for food.
"I j-just managed to get a good night sleep for once," I replied quietly.
"I can only imagine seeing what you're sleeping on but I can't be bragging myself as the bedding for my quarters isn't exactly high living either."
We sat at the same spot we have been for the past two days, and today's breakfast at least resembled something I could recognize-.
"Well if it isn't Appule and interdimensional Maria," a voice called out to our left.
Looking over, I saw Raspberry strolled up to us with his own tray of food and took the empty seat next to me. Great…
"Aren't you supposed to be on a raid with Dodoria's squad," Appule asked rather grumpily.
"I was but I was told it was cancelled and something about how another more important thing popped up that required more of his attention," he replied nonchalantly. My ears perked up on that. Could it be possibly about the Dragon Balls-? "Anyways, how are you doing with your guy's reading problem?"
"Just fine thanks to you. Just another thing I've added onto her schedule not like there was much there to begin with."
I mean, he isn't exactly wrong. With the time I have, I probably can quickly read the book he bought last night but it will definitely put a dent into finding that damn machine. Not to mention my current time management with feeding the kids- wait. Maybe I can ask him for help. I mean, he is supposed to teach me so it can't hurt to ask.
Ooh boy…just ask. It shouldn't be that hard to do. Just ask him with help with your scouter…just ask…just ask…
"Actually…," I spoke up, stopping whatever conversation, or maybe an argument, they were having. "C-Can you help me with my scouter? I…I don't really know how to make it work…"
"S-Sure…," Appule said a bit stunned, taking my scouter as I handed it to him.
"Really? You haven't taught her how to work a scouter," Raspberry joked.
"I figured you already knew how to work this already," Appule said, completely ignoring Raspberry's comment. "Seeing you knew what it was when I gave it to you."
"Well the manga and anime really only ever showed you guys putting it on and pressing the button to read a power level," I explained. "I never knew it could do other things."
Looking up from my plate, I found both of them staring at me with extremely confused expressions.
"What do you mean by "the manga and anime really only ever showed you guys"," Raspberry asked slowly, as if unsure what he was asking me.
"Are you suggesting there exists a show that has us in it," Appule piped in, slowly setting the scouter down.
"Yes? I mean, you guys are just fictional in my dimension so-."
"WHAT?!"
-8 days previously-
"I am tasking you two with a very important mission," Frieza said, staring down at them. "You are not to say a word to anyone of this, am I clear?"
Both scouts eyed each other and then back at Lord Frieza. They nodded their heads in agreement to his demands. As usual, what did he expect from them?
"Good, your new mission is to a planet called Earth. It will take you approximately about 20 days to arrive there. I expect an update the moment you two arrive on the planet. This chip contains the rest of the information you will need to know." He slid a small data chip towards them where one of them caught it and held it softly in his grasp. "I expect good work from you two and to depart immediately. You are both dismissed."
They two scouts bowed and quietly walked out of the room. The one who held the data chip opened his palm and eyed it as they walked down the hallway.
"What do you think he wants from Planet Earth, brother," he said. Looking over, he saw his brother was already busy with his scouter.
"By the short and brief meeting, most likely valuable resources," he replied. "Just get the spy drones over at the mechanics unit 01A and I'll take care of everything else. We'll reconvene at dock no. 3. Alright?"
The scout rolled his eyes but complied as they went their separate ways. He headed over to the mechanics unit 01A, and waved at the head mechanic of the unit upon arrival. The head mechanic took one good look at him before walking over to one of the shelves and grabbed a container and walked back over to him. He gave the head mechanic a curt nod as he took hold of the container and left towards the dock.
He grimaced at the heat once he stepped onto the dock and hoped this Planet Earth will be a little cooler than it is right now on this planet. Though as expected when he gazed around the dock, his brother was standing by the double round ship when he approached him.
"Took you long enough," his brother said nonchalantly. He shot him an unamused look before jabbing his brother with his elbow.
His brother responded by shoving him to the side as the two entered the ship, and the scout nearly lost his footing but quickly balanced himself again. The hatch closing behind them where they were in brief darkness until the lights kicked on. He stored the container in the storage before joining his brother at the cockpit.
The ship hummed to life as his brother turned on the engine, and he pressed the buttons for the ship to lift off soon after. Taking the data chip out, he plugged it into the controls where it whirred as it read the data inside for the coordinates of their destination. The controls beeped with confirmation and the brothers watched through the window as the ship at first slowly ascended before picking up speed by each second. The control let out a short but loud beep, signaling they had reached escape velocity and were now heading towards their destination.
"In 3…2…1," the scout began counting down soon after they had past No. 16's first moon. A part of the controls split open and a video feed of Lord Frieza began to play.
"Greetings," the feed spoke. "As expected, here is what I want you two to do exactly once you have arrived on Planet Earth."
1 credit = 1 US dollar.
Also, rewriting this chapter was a challenge but I am so happy that I managed to pull through after many revisions and arguments with myself.