Strive for power

A king. He was a king now. Bulma let out a deep sigh, staring out of the window into the distance where, supposedly, the ceremony was being held tonight.
She had pondered what this scene could look like, how Saiyans would dress and celebrate such an occasion.
The more time she spends on this strange planet, the more her curiosity grew about the Saiyans and their habits. A complex race that found itself torn between beast and human.
The untamed curiosity made the bitterness of being far away from home fade away. Not that she was ever experiencing or feeling anything truly joyful, every day she would wake up drenched in sweat.

Though promising herself to never show fear, it was all she could feel these days.

The Saiyan prince had turned her life upside down.

She was constantly on her toes and every single time she saw a familiar face, she had to put up this mask of braveness and strong headedness.
Pulling her knees up and hugging herself, Bulma tried to remember the last time someone touched her. A soft caress, a caring gesture… A person who truly cared about her existence.
The image of the prince erupted her peacefulness and with a growl, and a sigh, she shoved the image of him touching her to the back of her head.

Yet she yearned for some affection. Anything to make her feel less lonely.

Taking in the view from the huge window of her room, she tried to find some comfort in the stillness of the night. Closing her eyes in hopes she could hear the wind or an animal, she listened intensely.
But not even a natural sound was hers to hear. Everything was still as artificial as the first day she had woken up on their territory.
There had to be some way to get out of this mess. The few free hours that were hers alone, were worse than any other hour. All she needed was a fragment of freedom, just to live life.

I've been managing to keep Vegeta off my back for now. He seems to be distracted by this whole ceremony thing too… He is going to be king now. Would he be different now that no man stood above him?

Bulma pushed out the thoughts concerning Vegeta, and Ilkm, the two constant evils out to torturing her, away. In her free time, she did not want to think about anything concerning them.

Closing her eyes again she tried to think of what could help her wander freely on this planet.

There must be a way. A gravity suit perhaps… Hm, I bet Vegeta would probably have a field day seeing me walk around like that… No, I need to be able to adjust to their gravity but slowly so I don't get squished like a bug..
She grit her teeth at the memory of how Vegeta had put it so crudely.
And I can't have Ilkm find out about it either… I might end up dead if he messes with an invention concerning gravity. But what can I do that—Hey! I know!

Excitingly she jumped out of the comfy chair and ran to the desk on the far end of the room. Grabbing a sheet of paper, she wrote down her idea. Giving herself an approving nod, she immediately continued and started working on it.
Feeling a rush of excitement, she couldn't help but imagine the smug face of the Saiyan prince, err, king, falter when seeing her walk around freely without any restriction!

Feeling quite pleased with herself the next morning while staring down at the blueprints, which she had worked on the entire night, Bulma walked out of the door practically humming.

The building she lived in was solely for the science department and aside from the adjusted gravity, it held more luxury then the ship.
All things aside, she must've been doing something right because Vegeta had given her quite a nice place to stay. And apparently, she was deemed as an important person too because despite his threats, everyone, Saiyans alike, treated her with much respect. Except for Ilkm, of course. The man would one day self-explode because of his raging jealousy.

Vegeta had never mentioned the threat or even touched her again since they arrived on planet Vegeta. But she hadn't forgotten a single word or the awful feeling he had given her.
Trying not to let the dark thoughts consume her, Bulma tried to focus on her new, and highly personal, project, The gravity room. This little project of hers was the first one in a while that truly excited her.

I need a safe place to work on it… And definitely Ilkm can't find out about it! But where? I mean I could do it here, in her own part of the building, but I need someone around I can trust too. Libelle and Forog are ok, but I can trust them to not tell a soul?

Deciding that she was thinking far too much ahead, Bulma tried pace herself and not rush in because of her excitement.
Yet her mind had kept racing the entire time until she saw Forog and Libelle awaiting her arrival in the working place. Surprisingly, it was just the two of them. Raising an eyebrow at their smiling faces,
Forog then excitingly told her that they had the day off and were free to do whatever they wanted.

'Because of celebratory reasons, that obviously do not need an explanation, we have the entire day to ourselves! How about that!' he happily announced.
Because Vegeta is truly king now. Baffled, Bulma did not respond to his bubbly announcement.
'We would've told you sooner but you live in the higher up,' Libelle said, referring to the fact that her quarters were on the top floor where they were not permitted to enter.
'So, no work today?' Bulma asked, feeling surprisingly saddened by that thought.
'No,' Libelle said, sounding equally as disappointed as her.

'Man! I can't remember the last time I had a day off!' Forog happily said, not noticing their sad demeanors. 'I think I'm going to take a long walk outside and just do… nothing!'

Bulma smiled in response, realizing she would be doing the exact same if it weren't for the whole gravity problem. Libelle shrugged when he asked her what she had been planning.
Bulma noted she looked quite upset and quirked up an eyebrow at her sullen behavior. Placing a hand on her shoulder, the pink girl grabbed it and gave it a light squeeze. By that reaction, it didn't take Bulma longer than a second to figure out they were in much need of some girl-talk.

After all they had shared a few things together. Although Bulma hadn't wanted to talk about it, Libelle had managed to decrypt something had happened after their meeting with the Saiyans brothers and thus was the only one who knew about Vegeta's threat.
But to Bulma's utter disappointment, the girl had said very little comforting words in return. Instead of saying something that could banish his crude words out of her mind, she had simply responded by saying that if she kept up her good work, he would do no such thing.

'Ladies, I'm leaving! Anything I can bring you, Bulma?' Forog asked, knowing she was stuck here.
'A pack of those weird pancakes your brought last time,' Bulma said, remembering how great they had tasted last time he had brought something for her to enjoy from the outside world. They had something meaty in them, a concept she had at first found utterly disgusting but had ended up enjoying quite a bit.

'Of course! Libelle, are you coming?'
'I'm not feeling too well. Maybe later,' she said while giving him a forced but dismissive smile.
'Sure, later!'
'Later, Forog,' Bulma yelled as he walked out.

Now alone with Libelle in the huge room, silence lingered on as both remained in deep thought.
Bulma was dwelling on the thought that next time they'd have a day off, she might be tagging along. Hopefully. Glancing at Libelle, she then noted something was bothering the girl.

'Are you ok, Libelle?'
'Not really…'
Her violet eyes teared up when looking at her and before Bulma could ask more, the girl started to sob. Placing her arms around the young girl to comfort her, Bulma asked her again what was wrong.
'It's ok, come on, Libelle. You can tell me,' she whispered while caressing her hair.
'He beats them up,' she muttered on a sad tone.
'Who?'
'King Vegeta… He beats the brothers up.'

Kakarot and Raditz... Well, it was a given that he would do just that. I guess he never uses empty threats…

She winced at the thought, thinking again of what he had said to her. But it didn't make her feel any less sorry for Libelle, who worshipped the Saiyans for some absurd reason.
For the first time she saw a look of betrayal grace her young face. And it didn't sit well with her because despite her personal feelings, she had much rather been wrong. Just for the sake of Libelle, who genuinely believed in the comradery she shared with the Saiyans.

'What did you expect…?' Bulma quietly said. When thinking of the two brothers, she didn't quite know how to feel. Kakarot was the most enigmatic Saiyan she had met so far. Well, the former prince didn't do too much of a bad job either. But so far, Kakarot's motives still remained unclear to her until this day.
'They did go against the Saiyan Empire. Vegeta is a very proud man and above all, he is the King now. He can't just turn a blind eye to traitors.'
'I'm aware of what they are being accused of…' Libelle muttered while wiping away the tears. 'Just what happened out there, Bulma? And how did you end up in all of this?'

Bulma was silenced, so far she had been under the impression that others had not known about her being there too when the prince and the brothers had clashed.
Violet eyes harshly kept staring at her, full of questions and hoping for answers. Bulma wished she could give her those. The idea of lying seemed anything but appealing, but telling her about the Dragon Balls… That was out of the question.

'I don't quite know myself. It was kind of a blur…' Bulma tried to keep her tone nonchalant, while her eyes averted from her friend's. Libelle let out a deep sigh, sounding a bit disappointed by her answer.

'You know, when I first lived here… I was just a kid. A smart kid. But very much a kid. The only one who would treat me nicely was Kakarot,' Libelle explained. 'I just can't view him as horrible. Even if he doesn't always mean well or does things solely to get what he wants, he is kind underneath it all. It's just Saiyan nature to behave that way.'

Bulma caught a glimpse of that much older version of Libelle, the one who carried a large burden and who was always remained hidden under that happy façade of her.
A quick smile covered it up nicely, but it didn't hide the fact that she was still very sad about the situation.

Silence fell between them and both remained a bit uneasy. Bulma couldn't quite comfort her as she didn't view those brothers the same way she did. Never had the word kind occurred to her mind when thinking of them. More like menacing.
Libelle opened her mouth and then closed it again, dismissing her thoughts but Bulma caught her and asked her what she wanted to say.

'Don't be shy, Libelle!'
Yet the girl blushed and kept her eyes on the ground. 'Do you and the prince, I mean King, have…'
'Have?'
'Some sort of relationship?'
'Are you insane?' Bulma blurted out.
'He's just… So different since you came around,' Libelle confessed. 'He's always pressuring Ilkm and the rest of us to come up with some outstanding idea that will give him the ultimate power he's looking for,' Libelle made a few dramatic hand-gestures while speaking, as to point out the absurdity of his commands, 'But since you came around. Since Earth… He's way more obsessive about it.'

Deciding that she couldn't tell a whole lie, Bulma admitted that Vegeta seemed to be under the impression she was the key to that exact power he had been searching for.
Though, she had to confess, she was still at a complete loss on how to obtain that herself.
And quite frankly, a part of kept up this act of self-sabotaging after Vegeta's threat. Every thought was stupid, every glimpse of potential not good enough. Every idea she had come up with so far, could've been worked out much more thoroughly but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
She didn't want to assist him any longer. She didn't want to be here. She didn't want anything to do with the Saiyan Empire and longed to go home, despite what she kept telling herself and even thinking of wanting to go out and see this world that the Saiyans called home.

Have enough of this dwelling and overthinking, Bulma jumped off the desk she had been sitting on and excitedly decided to start on her new project.

'Hey Libelle, do you feel like helping me? I want to work on a little personal project of mine. Not for Saiyans…' she added, emphasizing the fact no Saiyan could find out.

Thrilled by the idea of getting some distraction, Libelle brightened up and nodded. 'Sure!'
'But it's a secret! Don't tell anyone!' Bulma hastily added.
'Got it!'

Libelle found the idea not only intriguing but quite genius. Though she kept suggesting Bulma should share it with the Saiyans as this could benefit them conquering other planets with high gravity. But Bulma stubbornly insisted that the first person to benefit from this invention should be her and not the Saiyans.

They decided that the small room, that was mainly filled with unfinished projects, in Bulma's office was sufficient enough to start the experiment in. The smaller the room, the faster this little project would be done, and she could start using it properly.

Though normally the two working together would be talking happily, neither spoke a word unless needed. It seemed this project was a nice little aversion of their draining thoughts of unhappiness.

The otherwise cheerful pink alien, was obviously only thinking of her dear Saiyan friends.
Making Bulma feel guilty because all she could think of was abandoning this place. Meaning her too.

'You know,' Bulma eventually said, after giving it much thought and not wanting Libelle to drive herself insane with worry, 'They'll be fine. Those two brothers are really tough...'

'Yeah, I know,' Libelle answered with a short smile. 'And Saiyans do become stronger after every battle, even if it ends in defeat! If they survive, of course.'
'Pardon?'
'You didn't know?' Libelle asked surprised when seeing her puzzled expression. 'Yeah, that's how it works with Saiyans. That's why Vegeta always pushes himself. I'm pretty sure your first invention made him a whole lot stronger!'
'So you if you beat them, they get stronger?'

Bulma was in complete shock. And once again, she couldn't help but view Saiyans as savage beasts, living solely for the thrill of battle. And unlike earthlings, they did truly seem to benefit from it.

'You don't know much about Saiyans yet, do you?'
'I don't think I want to know…'
'Don't go out if there is a full moon,' Libelle added with a mysterious glint in her eyes.
'Why?'
'Just don't.'

After working vigorously, they decided to get something to eat and then part ways. Bulma didn't want to work too late as she still wanted to call her parents before going to bed.
'There you two are!' Forog said when seeing them close the door of Bulma's personal office.
'I've been looking everywhere for you two!'
Seeing him in such good mood, made the two smile and cheerfully they greeted him back. Forog placed his arms around each woman's shoulder and happily announced he had brought a whole lot of food from outside for them to try out.

Eating, talking… being together. It made her feel for the first time that they were indeed friends and not just co-workers. That little doubtful voice in her head was now completely silenced.
Though, their past was nothing alike, their future would be. So, it was in their best interest to stick together. And she could tell Forog and Libelle felt the same way.
Grateful for the splendid evening, Bulma bid her friends goodbye after dinner. Feeling completely exhausted, she went back to her own place.

Unfortunately she encountered Ilkm, who lived on the same floor as her. He greeted her with same slimy tone he always used when seeing her.

'I didn't see you all day,' he grinningly said.
'I was working.'
'Yes, you were in your office all day… with that girl, what's her name?'
'Libelle, yes,' Bulma dully said while trying to move pass his large figure but he kept her from going anywhere, moving his foot whenever she tried to set hers in a different direction. With a growl, she asked him what he wanted.

'What were the two of you doing there all day?'
His nose crinkled up in curiosity while eying her with a certain animosity that was unnecessary in Bulma's opinion.

'What do you think we were doing?' Bulma snapped. 'Unlike some,' she spat, giving him a disgusted look, 'we were working!'

'I'll find out,' he hissed, annoyed by her arrogance. He brought his face uncomfortable close to hers.
Scrunching up her nose in response, Bulma refused to move a muscle for the man and stood her ground, simply crossing her arms in defiance.
He licked his already wet, sweaty, lips and hissed angrily she would pay for her arrogant attitude.

'And that ridiculous girl too! I never liked her!' he mumbled in fury.

'You don't like anyone with more talent than you… ha, so I guess that means you don't like anyone, do you?'

'Keep your mouth shut!' he spat, 'You might have the King wrapped around your pretty finger but you won't be able to use your tricks on me!'

'As if I'd ever want to!' Bulma shouted back, finally able to pass him without having to touch him in any way.

'I'll find out what you were doing in there, Bulma Briefs!' He yelled after her as she opened the door to her room.

Bulma rushed in and let out roar of aggravation. Ilkm was one of those people who made her question the integrity of intellectual beings.
Sometimes she questioned who was worse, Saiyans or men like Ilkm…
Taking a deep breath to calm down, she decided to not let the man get under her skin and ruin her productive and rather pleasant day.

Letting herself fall back in a comfy chair, she turned on the computer on her lap and immediately dialed home.

…Hey dad!...
…Bulma! I'm so glad to see you! You look happy… He gave her a grin followed by an intrigued look, what were you up to today?...
Staring at his soft eyes, Bulma could only smile when seeing him.
…I got to work on a new project that I'm quite thrilled about!...
…Oh?...
Happily telling him all about the gravity room, her father was immediately quite impressed. And was kind enough to give her some good advice and a few pointers she should keep in mind.
Scribbling them down, Bulma asked him where her mother was. It turned out she was on a trip.
…Where to?... Bulma muttered without thought, too consumed by father's great ideas.
…In search of the Dragon Balls. We decided that although unusable now, having them around for when the time is right, is wise. Besides its only seven more months before we can use them. Time sure flies…
Gasping when hearing him say that, Bulma looked up in shock. She hadn't even realized how much time had passed. Or she had but she hadn't really given it any thought.
Perhaps to avoid this harsh and uncomfortable confrontation with the truth.
It saddened her that she had spent such long time here already. And yet a few months was only a bread crumble compared to the rest of her life.
…Bulma, dear, we've been thinking. After finding the wish of making Earth unfindable for others, we thought about… Well, just wishing you back here on Earth…
…Back on Earth?...
Bulma gave it a thought and realized that was indeed a possibility. The pure simplicity of that wish was absolutely thrilling! She would be home again in… How long? Nineteen months from now?
…Dad! That is just brilliant! Oh, I can't wait to come home to you, guys!...
…Good because you don't do too bad of a job pretending you're ok but today is the first time I'm seeing that genuine smile of yours, dear…
Bulma felt her heart crumble, realizing her parents could see pass her fierce façade of bravery quite easily. Admitting that things haven't been going too well and she too longed to be reunited with them, she said that his words brought her the much-needed hope she had been searching for.
…Just nineteen months, dad! That's it!...
…Stay strong, Bulma…
His voice didn't quite sound so ferocious as hers. The look in his eyes was mix between sorrow, worry and hope. Just like every parent, he was begging his kid to just be safe.
So, she promised him she would and wished him a goodnight before going to bed.

Feeling peaceful, falling asleep felt like floating and she welcomed the darkness that would bring her some much-needed rest.

'Well, woman?'
'Oh, please! What do you want me to do? You can't claim I've been doing a bad job— 'I don't care. If you don't come up with something before my departure—You're leaving? Where to?' Bulma asked, completely surprised by the news.
'Yes, I…' Almost had the king wanted to answer but instead he snapped at her and reminded her that it was none of her business where he was going.
'Just know that the day I depart, so will you! You will be departing this building to a much more dreaded place…'
Rolling her eyes at his threat, she crossed her arms and gave him a glare. They've had this conversation before, and it was becoming tiring. She was more than aware of his threat and didn't need him to constantly remind her. His words had been engraved into her brain.

Since setting a few new goals, she felt much more confident and stronger. Not letting Vegeta or anyone else make her feel bad again. That was now out of the question.
She was one day going to leave this place, and no one was going to stop her!

Though she had noticed that when Libelle, or someone else for that matter, was around, he'd never mentions what exactly he meant by saying she was going to be leaving this place.

Never stating the words as explicitly as he once had.

Which made her wonder if it were all nothing more but empty threats. But then she thought of the Saiyan brothers, Kakarot and Raditz, and decided that the risk just wasn't worth finding out.
Just then Libelle entered the room, startled to find the two arguing again.

'You really can't complain about my work, you know! I know for a fact that—Those little tricks of self-destructing bots are becoming a bit dull, woman.'
'You think of something, then!'
'That's your job!'
'When will you be leaving?'
'What does that matter to you? It's none of your— 'I need to know how much time I still have!' Bulma snapped at him.
'In about two weeks,' he barked back.
'Good!'
'Fine, you better come up with something! I won't be made a fool because of you!'
'How am I making a fool out of you?' Bulma asked letting out a hollow laugh.

'By stretching my patience so thin it's becoming embarrassing,' he angrily hissed. His nose was just millimeters apart from hers. His eyes were swirling with hate and… Something she never really could put her finger on. Whatever it was, it involuntarily always made her want take a step back. But she couldn't, her back was already pressed against her desk.

'I'm running out of time and so are you, woman.'
Feeling pushed into a corner, Bulma bit her lip in frustration. Nineteen months, Bulma! she reminded herself again. That's how long she had to survive him and his rotten race!

Feeling the tension rise, she had no other choice but to give him a little something to keep him quiet.
'I have something,' Bulma blurted out. 'But I can't give you any details because it's not done yet! But when it is finished, you'll be the first one to know all about it!'

Though her tone was a bit mocking, he seemed to believe her and with a growl of annoyance he turned around and left. The tension dropped drastically, and the serene silence from before returned to the room. Though only for a moment,

'I swear that man!' Bulma started as soon as the door closed. 'I can't stand him!'

Libelle gave her an amused look and simply nodded in agreement when Bulma started her all too familiar rant about the fact that the man was simply impossible to deal with. Libelle remained silent until Bulma fell quiet and then simply said,

'You do realize you never call him by his title, right?'

Thanks for all the love : -)

I can't wait for you guys to read the next chapter, I think you will love it! Right now, life is kind of hectic, but I'll try to update real soon! Again, thanks for reading :- )

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