Into the wrong hands

Damn it, woman! I lure Cui away, so she won't get hurt and then she goes off on her own! Well, she'll just have to carry the consequences then!

Flying through the clear blue sky of Namek, he noted that there were quite a few power-levels surrounding him. He didn't know Namekians possessed so much power.
But he was certain that one distant group was consisted mostly out of Saiyans and not Namekians.
A part of him wanted to confront them now and take care of that Kakarot for once and for all.
But he had to be wise and search for the Dragon balls first. Scanning Namek with his scouter, he found an orb that contained a low-powerful level. Then the scouter picked up on six more. At the same location.

Damn it! Those fools have six already!?

Blasting off in the direction of the last Dragon Ball, he abruptly halted when sensing a familiar, ominous power-level. His scouter kept blazed red numbers, indicating danger. Eyes widened when realizing how many were arriving. Not just Frieza personally but his private army too; the Ginyu Force.

What the hell is going on!?

He gritted his teeth, torn up about what he should do first. Race them to the last dragon ball or go after the other six?

His knuckles turned white out of anger and despair. At this point, he felt like he could breathe fire. Am I ready to fight Frieza?

Bulma watched from a small distance the Saiyans debate on what to do, as she was sitting before one of the round houses in the Namekian her knees closer to her chest, she let her mind wander about the possibilities while her heart nagged at her, reminding her survival was crucial right now.
Frieza, here! Impossible! How…? What does this mean for the Saiyans…?

She wanted to interfere. She wanted to voice her feelings about the Saiyan Court.
Understanding these Saiyans and their frustration, she also knew how hard their leaders, current and former, worked hard to free them of that exact torture.

Confusion wasn't exactly the word she could use to how she was feeling inside. Her mind fell silent as her eyes watched the green grass move by the light breeze. Then the word came to her, out of the abyss. Torn. That was the word. She felt torn.

Her eyes traveled to her lower stomach.

What if Kakarot isn't lying?

Placing her hand on her stomach she tried to feel the life inside of her. But it was probably so small and fragile... How could he know for certain?

Or is he just playing another game?

Her blue eyes looked up to meet his gaze. Ever since their talk he had been behaving oddly. She couldn't be certain. One could never be with Kakarot. But she felt that her words, somehow, had left an impact. Their conversation obviously had left him distraught for some reason.
Maybe it was because of Libelle. Maybe the truth of him not being able to be a part of something other than himself, had woken him.

As she looked up to him, their eyes crossed.

Perhaps he's finally starting to feel some remorse for the things he has done...

His dark eyes never left her, as if he was constantly keeping an eye out on her.
For the first time his face held some sort of expression; brows furrowed; a slight look of dismay but mostly, torn. Torn between who he has been and what he could one day be.

Ironic how we suddenly found ourselves in similar place under different circumstances.

Instead of fighting each other, Kakarot. You should be fighting together against Frieza. He has taken so much more than you can imagine…

'Are you a prisoner too?'

Startled by the light and trembling voice, Bulma whipped her head around to see young Namekian boy. He gave her a small smile before his eyes wandered back to the group of Saiyans.

'Sort of,' Bulma muttered. 'I'm not with them,' she then answered.

'I figured that. They are collecting the Dragon Balls. Do you know what they are capable of?' he innocently asked.
'Yes, we have them back on Earth too,' Bulma explained and told the boy and the older man, who had joined once figuring out the woman was friendly and meant no harm to them, about Kami. They both stared at her in awe and became friendlier by the minute. Finding an ally in her.

'I-I need the Dragon Balls too,' she then confessed. Her voice wavered, uncertain if she should admit to something so shameful. Their planet was under attack and she was no better than those terrorizing it. She too was after the power of the Dragon Balls.
'Why?' The older Namekian asked, using a firm tone. His eyes had turned harsh but remained hopeful while awaiting her answer.

Bulma took a second to think about it. What I can I wish for? I don't even know if the Saiyans are still alive and if they aren't… I can't wish them back when they got destroyed in space!

'I'm… I don't quite know. You see, I promised someone I would bring everyone into safety. I don't know if I can make that promise to come true without the use of the Dragon Balls. I don't even know if the people I want to save are… still alive.'

'Tragic,' the older man muttered distraught by her pained expression. He then placed his hand on the little boy and told him to go inside and be safe. Bulma watched the boy go. It seemed the Saiyans had settled on a plan and were planning to leave.

'There is someone who can stop them…' Bulma said to the old man, sensing his fear. 'I know he has the potential but…'

I just don't know if he has the heart.

The thought shattered her hope. After all, Vegeta was a complex man. A man who did not know how to love. Or care. Would he care about the innocent dying? About her? About the child inside of her?

'I don't know if he has enough power,' Bulma said instead. 'I wish I could ask someone for help,' she whispered, feeling defeated suddenly.

'The last Dragon Ball…' the older man said. 'Is with our Grand Elder Guru.'

Bulma looked up in surprise at the man.
'We'll help you and your friend, if you help us defeat these monsters. This man you speak of, where is he?'
A pang of guilt pierced her heart. This man was no hero. He was the King of the men that had just purged their village, had used violence to get their hands on the Dragon Balls...

Swallowing her mixed feelings, she answered, 'He too is looking for the Dragon Balls.'
'Then that's where you'll meet again,' the old man reassuringly told her. 'You only need one wish?'
'Y-yes,' Bulma answered, puzzled by the question.
'To help those people you spoke of or the man who can defeat them all?'
'That's what I don't know,' Bulma admitted.

'Grand Elder Guru will help you make the right decision,' the older man said.
He nodded his head towards the group of Saiyans, and as Bulma turned her head Kakarot was walking towards her and a few Saiyan were flying up.

Getting up, she met him halfway.

'We are leaving,' he announced.
'And I'm forced to come with you?'
'You rather meet Frieza?' Kakarot asked with a grin.
'I rather be far, far away from here,' Bulma answered, being genuine despite the catty tone.

His grin disappeared, shoulders dropped and he, surprisingly, gave her a sympathetic look.
'Nobody knows, Bulma.' he suddenly said, whispering low. 'Only I can sense your child, Bulma. You will be safe without anyone knowing.'

'I'll be with you, Kakarot. How can I be safe then?'

The words had the willing effect because once again he was taken back. He took a deep breath and for a moment it appeared he wanted to strike someone, or something. Anything. But he managed to control himself.

'I didn't mean for Libelle to get hurt. I…'

'I what?' Bulma spat. 'I'm sorry? Is that what you dare to say!? Do you even know what that means!?'

A silence followed. Bulma could feel the stares of the Namekians on her and behind Kakarot she could see the curious look of the few remaining Saiyans.

'I think I do now,' he calmly answered.

For a moment she was surprised until she reminded herself of all the things he had done.

'You think? So, you don't know for certain? And what difference does it make? She's dead.'
'She wasn't all that loyal to you, Bulma,' he then said, reminding her of her blatant betrayal.
'Yeah but neither are you,' Bulma pointed out, not letting him get away so easily.

'You are always manipulating people, Kakarot. Are you that afraid to feel something genuine?'
Again her words affected him, she saw him waver before answering.
'It's how we are raised. It's all we know. This what the Saiyan Empire has made us— 'And what have you done to make it better!?' Bulma yelled. 'You are just like Frieza. You are just like Vegeta. You are always on your own side, Kakarot. You are no better.'

Completely stunned and silenced by her words again, he could only stare back at her. Shocked she could see through him so well.
Despite the small wave of victory coursing through her body, she fell above all relieved. Finally speaking up and letting go of all the grudge he had caused inside of her.

As he wanted to speak up, suddenly the ground started to tremble. Turning around, they both only noticed now that they were no longer alone and had just been attacked. Bulma looked up and in the bright blue sky she saw a strange looking man. Alluring. Yet his expression held something vile.
The wind blew his long green hair to the side, exposing his face and revealing a charming smile. His eyes were on her.

'Run, Bulma,' Kakarot yelled, as he protectively came to stand before her.
'Take her to safety,' he then said to the Namekian.

Feeling a hand grab hold of her, the Namekian didn't think twice and pulled her inside the house. Quickly leading her to the backdoor where the young boy and a group of Namekians were readying themselves to flee.
'Go! Take this one with you!'
'You can't stay here— 'Go, Dende! Go see Grand Elder Guru! You'll be safe there!'

On instinct, Bulma grabbed the hand of the little boy, who was objecting to leave without him. She did what the man said and started running as fast as her feet could take her. The group split up and Bulma asked the young boy if they were heading in the right direction.

'I-I think so,' he muttered, as he looked back.

One of Frieza's men spotted them and screamed to chase them.
Bulma only glanced at him but realized that they were going to lose no matter how fast she tried to run. Appearing in a flash before them, Bulma screamed it out.
One of the Namekians came and tried to hold him back but his attempt was futile. The pink alien coldheartedly killed the green fighter, who fell lifelessly on the ground.

Laughing at their attempt to get away he then got attacked by Kakarot, who didn't even let him speak another word before blasting his entire body away. Bulma's eyes widened when realizing he too had grown in power. He again instructed her to run.

Her heart was racing, her head spinning while her feet kept running into the endless green.

She couldn't move any further. Thanking Dende as he gave her some water. As they sat down to take a break, she tried to ease the young boy's mind by talking mindlessly about Namek. He politely answered her questions. Apparently, they lived mostly off water and didn't eat much.

When asking about his family, he surprised her with answering that Guru was the father of all Namekians, so they were all related.

What the…! 'Just how many did he father then?' Bulma blurted out.
'109… I think.'

Her eyebrows went up, wondering suddenly why she was freaking out over having just one!
'So just how many wives does he have?' She curiously asked, while not being able to hide her tone of disapproval.
Even though her rational mind explained that these people simple had their own culture and she shouldn't be so condescending, she couldn't control her urge to know more.
'Wives?' Dende asked confused.
'Yeah, like me. Women. You know, like your mother. '
'Oh! There no women on Namek!' he smiled.
Bulma's eyebrows knitted together, 'No women? Then how…?'
'Eggs.'
'Eggs?' she echoed while her eyes widened in realization of what this meant. Then she suddenly thought of something else…. she didn't know anything about the reproduction of Saiyans!

What if Saiyans lay eggs? Can I even have a baby with a Saiyan? What if I give birth to some sort of freak of nature?

She let out shriek at the sudden horror scenarios running through her mind. 'AAAAH!'

Dende let out a yelp and pleaded for her to be quiet, to not alert anyone. Bulma immediately placed her hands on her mouth and nodded in agreement.
Realizing she couldn't discuss this with the young boy, she kept her inner turmoil to herself.

'Sorry! I'm a little nervous…' She muttered.
'Me too!' he smiled again. 'But I think being careful and quiet is most important right now!'
'Yeah, you're right, Dende.'

I can't think of that right now. I need to survive first.

Her eyes traveled to her stomach and suddenly she realized that no matter what was growing inside of her, she wanted it to survive too. It was part of her already.

'What are you two doing here?'

Bulma let out a scream, grabbed on to the little Namekian and turned around to see who was standing behind them. To her great relief, it wasn't a Saiyan or one of Frieza's men but a Namekian.

A strong, very angry looking, Namekian.

Bulma gulped while Dende greeted him with familiarity, pulled himself loose and ran towards the man.

'Nail! They attacked our village!'

The Namekian placed his hand on the bald head of the little boy to calm him down while giving Bulma a suspicious look. Panicking a little, Bulma tried to think of something but Dende beat her to it and told the man that she had been a prisoner of the Saiyans.

'Is that so?' He murmured.

Bulma could tell he didn't believe that story. And immediately he confirmed her thought by asking her how he could know if she wasn't lying.

'Maybe they just said you were their prisoner so we'd take pity on you and tell you where to find the last Dragon Ball?'

'No! I-I've only just arrived. And I admit my situation is a bit complex but… If I could just talk to Elder Guru— 'Do you think I'm that stupid to let you near our father?'

Dende gasped, looking up surprised at Nail, who tensed up in anger. Taking a step back and, without thought, placed her hands protectively on her stomach. Trying desperately to think of something to convince the man to simply let her live.

'Fine,' she calmly said, 'I don't want to risk my life to meet Elder Guru. I understand your mistrust. And I'm so sorry for what is happening to your planet. The same has happened to mine and… Well, things are just very complex. A battle that will decide the fate of the universe is soon going to occur, that is all you truly need to know. If anything, I recommend you flee.'

Her voice had wavered a few times. Her mind frantic while questioning herself if she wasn't becoming slightly villainous by asking the Namekians for help while knowing she was a part of their current misery. She might not be working with the Saiyans that were currently invading their planet, but she had allied herself with their King.

I'm carrying his child.

'This is our planet, we are not leaving,' Nail sternly said.

If Kakarot isn't lying… The thought made her wince and pain went through her chest at the idea he could truly be so devious and manipulate her again.

I don't feel anything. I just think I'm pregnant…

What if there is nothing growing inside of me…?

'Can you tell?' She asked out of the blue. When seeing his puzzled expression, Bulma clarified her question by asking him if he could feel a life growing inside of her. His eyes widened before they lingered on her and he slowly shook his head.

Her shoulder dropped and suddenly she found herself sobbing at the idea this had been nothing, but another lie by Kakarot.

'But perhaps I'm not the right person to ask that question to.'

Startled, she looked up, still hopeful for him to say he'd take her to see Guru. The Namekian let out a deep sigh, saying he didn't know if she wasn't perhaps just hiding her power-level and this was all nothing but a scheme.

'I can't fight,' Bulma pleaded. 'I'm a scientist from Earth. Back on Earth we also have Dragon Balls, they were created by Kami, a Namekian like you.'

Nail only frowned in response, clearly confused by the woman before him. After some hesitation he decided that she could indeed come with them and meet Guru.

It took her only a split second to realize she truly despised flying and hated having to hold on to the foreign man. He strangely reminded her of King Piccolo, and an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. As she looked up to catch a glimpse of him, his eyes caught hers.

I'm going to have to be careful around this man, he doesn't trust me at all…

Soon in the distance Bulma saw strange looking white house. As Nail landed, he instantly let go of her. Relieved to be freed from his presence, Bulma followed him and Dende inside the house.
His unfriendly demeanor made her feel conflicted again.

A part of her suddenly started to question every decision she had made ever since… Vegeta's kiss.

It's almost as if he has tainted me. I would never willingly put people at harm, and yet, without a second thought, I just put this entire planet on a silver platter to be destroyed by men who do not even waver at the thought of doing so. I hadn't thought about the people who lived here. I did not even think about the consequences!

Tears stung her eyes, but she tried to swallow it down and stay strong. Taking a deep breath, she looked up to see huge Namekian sitting in an elegant chair. His presence was as imposing as his figure and Bulma instantly felt the need to be very humble in front of the man.

His breath was ragged, as if he was in pain. With tired eyes he looked down at her and forced a smile.

'A visitor?'

'Sort of,' Bulma muttered. 'I'm Bulma Briefs, from Earth.'
'Nice to meet you… Miss Briefs.'
'Bulma is from Earth, Grand Elder Guru. She was abducted from her planet by the Saiyans.'
'T-that is not entirely how it went,' Bulma stuttered up, afraid Nail's introduction would ruin her one chance to get some clarity.
'It's a rather complex matter but the Saiyans are in the middle of a war with a tyrant called Frieza. I've tried to avoid them getting their hands on the Dragon Balls but…' She thought of Vegeta and her own sudden change of heart. But I let myself get corrupted… after only receiving a small bit of affection.
'But it seemed a few were aware of your planet. I didn't…'

I didn't know Kakarot was going to attack?
No.
I didn't

think of the fact that Kakarot would attack. I didn't think of how much I would be endangering other, innocent people.

'Come here, Miss Briefs,' Elder Guru said.

Surprised at his request, Nail nudged her to step forward. Feeling a bit uneasy, she did what was asked of her. But Elder Guru asked her again to come closer, so he could place his hand on her head.

Startled she looked around but Nail gave no reaction and when Dende saw her puzzled expression he kind of shrugged but gave her a reassuring smile, reminding her of how he had told her Grand Elder Guru was the kindest and wisest Namekian and therefor she had nothing to fear.

Awkwardly she stepped closer and without giving much of an explanation, he placed his hand on her head.
Bulma felt a strange sensation go through her body and let out an audible gasp as she closed her eyes.

It was as if every bit of her was lit up. A wonderful, almost ticklish feeling. Her doubt washed away, and her mind became clear again, as if he just reminded her of her own greatness.
She heard a heartbeat other than her own, clear and steady. A warmth she had been unfamiliar with. A glimpse of the life inside of her. Her heart then beat one with the life inside of her.

As Guru's hand left her head, she dared to open her eyes. With wide eyes she stared up at him, clearly wondering what he had just done.

She felt so very different. Stronger, more certain again.

He gave her a mysterious, knowing, smile, 'Congratulations, Bulma.'
'T-thank you.'

Her mind couldn't quite comprehend what had just happened, and although doubt or uncertainty were no longer a part of her, it was hard to give this new information a place so quickly.

I am pregnant… I'm going to be a mother.

'Your child's heart is as pure. As for yours,' Guru said, his eyes going to Nail for a second, 'Yours is just as genuine but more matured by dire experiences.'

Instantly Nail looked more relaxed when knowing Bulma had only good intentions and Dende gave her a relieved smile.

Now that she felt stronger, she was once again able to grasp control on the current situation.

'I don't quite know how to make it right for everyone,' she started but a fierce determination shone in her eyes, 'but I promise, I won't let them destroy you or your planet without a fight!'

'Someone is coming,' Nail suddenly said. His posture tensed up and by just looking at him, Bulma could tell there was a serious threat coming their way.
Telling her and Dende to stay with Elder Guru, he ran out the house and flew off into the distance.

An ominous feeling overwhelmed her but swallowing her fear, Bulma turned to look at Elder Guru for some guidance and help.

'Unwillingly, I've become a part of this war. And, unthoughtfully, I gave up your planet as its battlefield,' Bulma started, noticing his breaths were becoming more steadier as she spoke.
'But I want to make things right. Back on Earth we still have the Dragon Balls, which means we have two wishes to count on. Except… that we won't be able to use those Dragon Balls until three months from now. See, Frieza wasn't supposed to be here yet— 'Dende, could you please give Miss Briefs the Dragon Ball?' Guru interrupted while pointing out where it was to the young boy.

Frowning at the rather rude intrusion, Bulma fell silent. Here she was pouring her heart out, and although he was giving her exactly what she wanted, she had envisioned it quite differently.

Dende walked behind the huge chair the Namekian was seated on and came back holding the last Dragon Ball. When seeing it up close, she noted it was at least three times the size of Earth's Dragon Balls. Immediately she started to wonder if this meant they were more powerful too…

'Our Dragon Balls can grant three wishes, Miss Briefs. I belief, that is enough for all us to be helped out of this grim situation.'

'What?' Bulma asked baffled by his confirmation of the balls being more powerful.
'Three!?' she then echoed, her mind already thinking of all the possibilities.

'Come here, Miss Briefs, there is one last thing I would like to share with you,' he said.

Bulma came to stand close to him once again and to her utter surprised he, despite his obvious fatigue, lowered himself to her level. His mouth was close to her ear as he whispered, 'Porunga.'

Puzzled by his odd behavior, he didn't elaborate what that meant and when Bulma asked him, he did not respond, pretending to be too tired to do so. Assuming he had his reasons, Bulma simply noted the word and stocked into the back of her head, knowing it would probably hold some meaning in the future.

Bulma bit her lip as she started to walk around the room while thinking. Her mind racing with theories and strategy's. But most of all with all the promises she had made. To Vegeta, to his father and to the Namekians. Just getting rid of Frieza was perhaps the easiest solution. But I can wish for something like that? I've done it before with the Red Ribbon Army but… This situation is much more complex. I would also break my promise to Vegeta… If want to proof to him that he can rely on others, I can't take away his only goal and one he has been chasing for so long. He'd consider it the ultimate form of betrayal.

'Grand Elder Guru, do you think I can revive an entire race with the Dragon Balls?'

He gave her a slight nod.

'And would you consider temporarily moving to another planet?'

He didn't react this time but Dende dismissively shook his head at the idea, claiming this was their home.

'You would all be safe,' she added. 'And I know, that the Saiyans don't appear as righteous right now but they are willing to give their lives to end that of Frieza, which makes me believe that deep inside, they do have good intentions.'

'Is that so?'

The voice startled Bulma and only now did she see how hard Dende was trembling on his knees while he held on to the chair of his father. Feeling her own knees grow weak at the idea of who was standing behind her, Bulma dared herself to turn around and look.

With a heavy heart she faced a white creature with blood red eyes. A vicious grin spread across his face and he greeted her with an utter politeness that send shivers down her spine.

'My dear, they seemed to have fed you nothing but lies.'
His voice sounded like a hiss and like a predator he stalked towards her.
Cold, red eyes kept staring at her. The pressure of his presence was intense and for a split second she dared to wonder how she could have possible missed it earlier.

'I don't know who told you such lies but I can promise you, that no Saiyan will ever defeat me. And there is no such thing as righteous Saiyans,' he spat. 'Those filthy monkeys are anything but!'

Feeling her heart race, she flinched as he came to stand closer to her. His breath now tickled her skin and he seemed to enjoy her growing fear. A flicker of delight flashed through his eyes.

'Besides, the Saiyans are getting extinguished as we speak. Or do you belief, the King of Saiyans will finally come out of the shadows and fight me? Oh, he's too much of a coward to do such a thing.'

She wanted to speak up. Talk back. But her body had become completely immobile. She could hardly stand. His power was overwhelming, and she realized he must've only just arrived second ago. Which meant his speed was incredible and…

He has killed Nail.

Unable to keep her hands steady, she balled them into fists but even then, she could feel her body shake.

'I'll be taking that,' he said pointing at the Dragon Ball and then looked back at Bulma, 'And you.'

Took a small break to write out a few chapters and I can't believe it but… I'm currently writing the last chapter! Now no worries, you still have quite a few to go! But believe me when I say the best is yet to come! I'm so excited and can't wait to read your responses! I hope you liked this chapter, let me know by commenting! And thank you for reading!