A wicked trade
To be fair, she could not deny that the words had left an impact on her. Though the Saiyan Prince wasn't exactly a charming one, he hadn't told her any lies. Hearing out a few more of her fellow workers, it appeared this Emperor Frieza was indeed so powerful and fearsome most planets willingly followed him in order to avoid battle. Though sometimes the ruthless, cold-hearted man only saw this as a sign of weakness which led to eventually blowing up the planets or betraying its people in the long run.
After Vegeta's visit, Bulma couldn't help but view her work differently. Though a part of her feared him, resented his people and wanted to simply get out of this situation, a part of her felt obliged to help. He had indeed granted her father's wish and threated her with respect.
And knowing there was a force so great and far superior to his, whom she already feared a great deal, made her want be of some use before departing from him forever.
When telling her father about this new information, he didn't give too much of a reaction at first. Bulma thought it was out of shock but then figured he wasn't affected and didn't care quite as deeply about it as she had.
'What makes you think he speaks the truth? Or any of them?' he asked suspiciously.
He even argued that this Frieza might never appear on Earth and that fear was nothing but a tool for the Saiyans to use against them. Her shoulders fell and Bulma felt stupid for being so easily deceived. Only to convince herself a few minutes later that what she saw in the Prince's eyes was a raw emotion that could not be any form of trickery.
Though her plans of escaping had not been abandon the slightest, there were moments she truly questioned her own motivation.
The days just flew by, and every single day she brought the Dragon Ball with her, in her pocket, keeping it close to her at all times. It had truly become somewhat of a real lucky trinket. It was also a reminder of her true goal and a little ball of hope.
But it did not stop her from helping them; upgrading the training-bots and creating plates for in the training-room that could take on the prince's full-power, and she received nothing but praise.
In her heart it felt good for some reason. Yet her mind kept calling it treachery.
But, she argued with the harsh voice in her head, this was something she wanted to do before leaving them and going back to her old life. It wasn't the Saiyans but her beloved co-workers that were her main motivation. Libelle was just the sweetest but she could see the hurt and loss in her eyes clearly shining through. The same went for a couple of others.
Though, it seemed that hate and revenge had united them with the barbaric race and, and although she couldn't quite comprehend what that exactly meant, she wanted them to fight their battle and win.
Well, it was not theirs personally, it was going to be the Prince his battle after all. But it was obvious that they had settled all their hope onto him.
Perhaps that was the reason her father did not understand her new, strange thoughts. To him, they were still nothing more but the beasts who had come to enslave them. He had never met the other aliens or heard their stories.
And because of their stories, Bulma had even grown to respect Prince Vegeta for some reason, although he was never friendly or even thanked her for all her hard work. But a part of her understood he was just too focused on his mission to destroy this emperor to realize he was losing his decency towards others.
Or maybe I'm just delusional and he just shows his unapologetic Saiyan-self all the time.
But sooner than Bulma had expected, the damage to the ship had been taken care of. They would be departing shortly.
It made her forgot all about her noble deeds and her mind started to think of numerous escape plans again. Though in the pit of her stomach, this did not sit well with her. But what choice did she have?
Her father had gotten his hands on the blueprints, her mother had been able to collect two more Dragon Balls and had hidden them underneath the wreck of their former house, near where the other Dragon Ball was hidden. Time had also finally given Bulma an idea of what to wish for.
Though it would mean sacrifices since not everyone could be saved by the wish she had in mind.
It was strange concept, to wish for anything you want and yet not be able to obtain all there was…
'Well?'
His rough voice always startled her. With a sigh, she repeated what she had said less than an hour ago.
'I already told you, I'm doing the best that I can!'
'You are too slow, woman.'
'I'm working harder than anyone else here!' Bulma piped up, getting annoyed with the Prince's frequent visits that was to no contribution to her work whatsoever.
'Can't you think of anything new?' he growled.
'I gave you better training-bots and a room that is capable of taking on your power!' Bulma said while hastily summoning up her hard work that he never expressed any gratitude for.
He stayed quiet for a minute. Bulma took a breath and went back to her work. Another training bot. Though she didn't want to admit it, she too felt they needed a new approach to his training. However, her mind had not been able to think of anything. Ever since I heard the ship is going to depart soon, I can't think of anything else but my own skin...
Out of the corner of her eyes she looked at the prince. Being alone in a room with him seemed to frighten most people but Bulma rarely felt uncomfortable. Though he was a little rough around the edges. And rude and impatient. All of which annoyed her a great deal.
But somehow, she could tolerate him better than any other Saiyan.
Sure, he got a kick of irritating her personally, like pointing out every flaw in her work, which she of course in turn would respond to by stating she had managed to get him injured, as it almost always shut him up. But never did he make any disgusting remarks, exploit her weakness in strength or bothered with taunting remarks about her people. He simply didn't care for such things.
Which couldn't be said about another Saiyan that was keen on finding her no matter where she was, Kakarot. He always seemed to show up out of nowhere. Always being a bit taunting, letting her dwell on the fact he knew things he shouldn't and even insinuate he knew her every move.
'Why don't you train with someone?' Bulma suddenly suggested. The image of Kakarot getting demolished by the Prince briefly flashed through her mind. She shook her head at her own violent thoughts and dismissed them as quick as they had come to her.
Vegeta was leaning against the wall, watching her work. Apparently after his training, he didn't have much to do and for some reason hurrying others to do their work was his favorite way of passing time. He snorted, muttering no fool was strong enough for him.
'Doesn't matter,' Bulma said. 'They might surprise you— 'none of those blasted fools have the speed or strength to surprise me in any way.'
'Not even Kakarot?' Bulma asked without thought. Why did he bother her so much? Now she was asking the prince to practically kill him!
'Kakarot?' he asked surprised, though with a tense undertone. 'Why do you say that?'
Bulma looked up only to see Vegeta walking towards her now. His stern face didn't become any friendlier when frowning and asking again what the hell she meant by that. She apparently, and completely unbeknownst to her, had hit a nerve.
'I… Well, he's just kind of a bother, that's all,' Bulma said, stumbling over her words when explaining how she was feeling.
'Yes, he is,' he said agreeingly.
Bulma lift an eyebrow in surprise but he did not elaborate any further. He stayed put, his eyes on her hands but unlike with Kakarot, it didn't make her so nervous her hands would start shaking.
In all honesty, she hadn't thought she'd be seeing the prince much again after their last meeting, which had been more than a week ago. It was real mystery why he bothered to stay around her so often.
Not being able to stand it any longer, she ceased her work and gave him an irritated look. His dark eyes stayed unbothered by her fierce glare.
'Why are you even here?' Bulma blurted out. 'Don't you have anything else to do!?'
He snickered, clearly amused by her outburst.
'I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you,' he stated arrogantly. 'But since you asked so nicely…'
The amusement disappeared from his face and a more serious expression followed, indicating he wasn't toying with her at this point.
'You at least had the guts to dare and fight me. Even if you knew your chances were slim, you went ahead and tried to kill me. I need someone like you, someone who dares to push me and not simply tell me what I want to hear. I do not grow stronger if the goal of my training is to simply let me win.'
Bulma stayed silent, realizing that the respect she felt for him was mutual, although he rarely expressed it. Perhaps the sign of his presence is exactly just that… And she hadn't quite caught onto it until now. Her expression softened when she finally understood.
'Don't give me sympathy or pity, woman. That's not why I choose you or ask you to make these things,' he said while picking up the training bot she had been working on. 'Don't lose that spirit from before, keep trying to kill me with everything you got.'
'Don't worry, I will.' But her voice sounded anything but powerful, it had wavered and sounded too soft.
Obviously picking up on her mindset, he threw her work on the ground and destroyed it. He then placed his hands on her desk, giving her an intimidating glare. Bringing his face closer to hers, Bulma swallowed in fear, wondering what he was going to do.
'I might have to motivate you,' he quietly said, 'And murder someone precious to you…'
'Leave my family alone! We serve you, like you asked us to!' Bulma yelled, jumping out of her chair and meeting his eyes with defiance. She forgot all about his speech from just mere seconds ago and the feeling of compassion had to make room for unadulterated senseless hate.
'Your mother is garbage, completely useless—'Shut up,' Bulma said without thinking. 'I'm doing all I can!'
'No, you're not! You are not trying hard enough!' he hissed angrily.
'It's only been a few days!' She answered on the same low tone of his.
He stayed quiet while their eyes battled it out. She would not -ever- be the first one to look away. In the end, victory was hers because he did focus his attention on something else. But the second she saw what it was, her heart sank. The Dragon Ball that was on her desk.
Picking it up again like he had before, Bulma had to fight the urge to snatch it out of his hands.
'Trinket from home, I believe?' he said.
The way he had just said that, left Bulma with a cold feeling washing over her and numbing her body. Simply nodding her head in reaction.
'Perhaps it's all out of luck for you, do you mind sharing? Maybe it will help me…'
The prince wasn't the type to believe in such things and she wasn't fooled by his words either, it was clear he was up to something. Or he knew more than he was leading on.
That idea made her heart beat so fast, she thought he must've been able to hear it at one point.
He gave her nothing but a taunting look and silence in return. And, not being able to stand it any longer, Bulma grabbed the Dragon Ball from his hand.
'It's not… out of luck. I… I don't think it will help you.'
Heat rose up to her cheeks, feeling caught by him and hating how his approach had worked on her so easily.
Perhaps this whole respect for one another has been nothing but an act… I need to be more careful around him. He's not as stupid as the others…
'Listen, I don't know what you are trying to do,' Bulma started, finally being able to get herself together, 'But I won't stand for these threats! I'm doing the best I can to adapt to this situation and help you achieve your personal goal,' she emphasized, 'All I can ask of you is to have a bit more patience.'
He didn't react to her rant, his amused eyes simply kept looking into hers. Though it made her feel a bit uncomfortable, she didn't falter and kept a defiantly looking back.
'How about a trade?' He then suggested, followed by his signature smirk.
'I won't trade this,' Bulma sternly said while holding the Dragon Ball closer to her, pressing it into her heart.
He shook his head, telling her that the trinket wasn't what he wanted her to trade.
'Perhaps plain threats that work on most weak races, won't work on you,' he said. 'After all, I must acknowledge your intelligence. So, how about it?'
'What do you mean with a trade?' Bulma curiously asked, intrigued by his words.
'Come with me,' he simply answered.
Without waiting, he moved away from the desk and walked towards the exit. Halting, he waited for her. Annoyed when she didn't budge at first, he growled at her to stop being so slow and start moving. Tightening the grip on the Dragon Ball in her hand and not having much of a choice, Bulma followed him.
He didn't say a word when walking and Bulma had a hard time keeping up with his high pace. Receiving odd glances now and then when they passed, Bulma tried to keep her head high and not let her blush expand any further. Her mind was in a frenzy, questioning what this all could mean.
Agitated, she was about to comment on his behavior when they suddenly stood before an elevator, that was guarded by other Saiyans. When seeing who was on guard-duty, Bulma's heart sank and her nervousness was taken to a higher level.
Kakarot simply smirked when seeing her. As always, his eyes would travel over her simply to irk her. When they lingered on the Dragon Ball in her hands, she hid it behind her back. As if shielding it from his prying eyes would help.
'Are you taking her out?' He snickered to Vegeta.
Vegeta let out an annoyed grunt. Waiting for the doors to open, he simply ignoring the lower rank Saiyan and went inside. It then occurred to Bulma that Kakarot had the same habit of speaking to his superiors as he did to her, without any truthfulness. It seemed almost as if everyone was a toy to him.
Looking at him questionably, Kakarot's eyes did nothing other than make her feel like an object. Though she was certain Vegeta wasn't up to anything like that, he fed the little doubtful voice in her mind on what Vegeta's intentions could be.
So her feet froze when the door opened and Vegeta awaited her to follow. It took her a second to realize she still had no choice in the matter. And out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kakarot's malicious grin and realized he might be doing it on purpose. He wasn't a real friend after all…
Determined to not show any fear, she lifts her chin up and entered the elevator, hiding all her despair behind a brave mask. Before the doors closed, Kakarot turned around to stare at the pair.
Vegeta gave him a glare and Bulma a look of defiance. He only smirked again before disappearing out of view.
Letting out a sigh, Bulma relaxed again. Her eyes went to Vegeta, who didn't pay much attention to her. His mind seemed to be elsewhere.
'Can you at least tell me where we are going?' Bulma asked.
But as soon as she spoke the words, the doors opened again, and she cursed their fancy technology for being so fast and efficient. When walking out, they stood in a hallway that Bulma had never seen before. It was all white and above them were windows letting in the Earth's sun. No artificial lighting here. We are all the way up, she then realized.
Paying no attention to her amazement Vegeta kept walking. Hastily following him, Bulma tried to make sense of his actions. His figure made the guards that they pass straighten in posture. Their eyes staring at her, clearly questioning her presence. When she saw a few exchanges a meaningful look with one another, Bulma blushed again. Quickening her pace, she walked next to him, this time informing him of what people seemed to be thinking of them.
'H-hey! Everyone we pass seems to think we are dating or something!' she whispered in embarrassment.
'Dating?' he echoes confused, his thick black eyebrow arching up. 'You mean, mating?'
'What are you, a dog!? No, I mean dating!' Bulma said getting upset and blushing even more profusely then before when hearing him state something so odd as mating with a person.
'Who cares, woman,' he muttered, obviously not caring or feeling any type of embarrassment.
'Don't you care what people think?' she asked outraged.
When he stopped walking, she then realized they had, without her noticing, they had entered a room during their little talk. When looking around, one could deem the room as a high-class suite in a luxurious hotel. A second later, she realized she was indeed standing in his room. With a gulp, she took step back and turned around only to find the door closed. Outraged, she spun back around and looked horrified at him.
'I'm not having sex with you!' She blurted out. He probably thinks it is some kind of honor! But to her he was the leader of savage race and the last thing on her mind was sleeping with him!
'What?' His eyes widened. 'What the hell are you talking about, you stupid woman! That is not why I brought you here!'
'T-then why did you!?'
'A trade, remember?' he said, now finding her discomfort and thoughts hilarious. His annoying smirk widened when seeing relief wash over her.
Still, she suspiciously eyed him and did not move a muscle. He went to one of the many blank walls, pushed a few buttons and suddenly a small line in the wall slit opened. Grabbing an object out of it, he turned around and instantly Bulma's eyes widened in shock.
'How about a trade, you give me your uttermost best invention and I… give you this little trinket?' he tauntingly said, holding up the Dragon Ball with one star.
Bulma's mind went blank while he didn't know how to hide his amusement any longer. His smirk spoke a thousand words. He gave her a look of absolute triumph.
And suddenly, of two things Bulma was certain; one, the Saiyan Prince was not easily deceived. And two, he knew the Dragon Balls held some sort of power and was very much aware of that.