A/N- this might be just a thought experiment with myself. I personally think it is kind of meh with this opening. Still I hope you like it, and again have a good day. Feel free to leave a review if you have any thoughts, I am pretty sure i mess up Zarbon's character here. Plus I don't think Bulma actually is ever alone except maybe for when Krillin is seeing Guru and Gohan is getting the other dragon ball from the Namekian village. Also this is before Zarbon and Vegeta fight the first time. So Zarbon would defeat Vegeta here still.
As Zarbon flew through the Namekian sky, his thoughts raced like the wind around him. The lush green landscape of the planet below seemed to mirror the complexity of his mind. He had served Frieza faithfully for years, his loyalty unwavering, and yet, the current situation had given birth to doubts.
His perfectly styled lavender hair fluttered in the wind as he contemplated the events that had unfolded. The appearance of these "minor ants" troubled him. They were not like the usual pests that Frieza's forces dealt with. Their powers were enigmatic, shrouded in mystery. Zarbon's analytical mind grappled with the implications – could there be a power in the universe that rivaled even Frieza's?
And then there was Vegeta, the ever-elusive Saiyan warrior. Zarbon had observed his ruthlessness firsthand, witnessed him cutting down Frieza's men without a second thought. The Saiyan's allegiance was a question that lingered in the air, like an ominous storm cloud. Could Vegeta truly be working with the humans, the very beings Frieza had ordered them to subjugate?
Zarbon's thoughts flickered to Earth, a distant blue world with its own set of mysteries. Reports had come in about the battle on that planet, the deaths caused by Vegeta. But Zarbon's skepticism couldn't be easily quelled. He knew of the Saiyan prince's cunning nature, his ability to manipulate situations for his own gain. Could it be that Vegeta was playing a deeper game, one that even Frieza wasn't fully aware of?
The dilemma gnawed at Zarbon's conscience. Loyalty was his foundation, but his instincts warned him that the tides of fate were shifting. Frieza's empire had always been unchallenged, but now, in the midst of this turmoil, Zarbon felt a tremor of uncertainty. He had to make a decision – a decision that could alter the course of his destiny and the destiny of Namek itself.
Zarbon's gaze shifted to the horizon, where the battlefield lay. The clashes and explosions were visible even from this distance, a testament to the power that had descended upon Namek. With a determined expression, Zarbon tightened his grip on his scouter, the device that had been his constant companion. He would gather more information, dig deeper into the truth behind these events.
Zarbon approached the entrance of the cave cautiously, his senses alert and his guard up. The landscape around him was serene, but he knew better than to underestimate any potential threat. As he stepped inside, the dim light revealed a figure hunched over, tending to a small fire. The woman's back was turned to him, and Zarbon took a moment to observe her before making his presence known.
She was indeed young, her features delicate yet harboring a strength that intrigued him. Her attire seemed to be a blend of rugged survival gear and something more ethereal, a testament to the fusion of worlds she represented. Zarbon's keen eyes noticed the absence of any visible weapons, a curious choice given the circumstances.
Clearing his throat, Zarbon spoke in a measured tone, his voice carrying an air of authority, "You there, human. You seem to be alone. What brings you to this place, surrounded by chaos?"
The woman tensed at the sound of his voice, her hands briefly faltering in their task before she turned to face him. Her eyes widened slightly upon seeing Zarbon, no doubt recognizing him as a member of Frieza's forces.
"I could ask you the same question," she retorted, her voice steady despite the tension. "You're not exactly native to Namek, are you?"
Zarbon's lips curved into a faint smile, impressed by her perceptiveness. "Indeed, I am not. I am Zarbon, a warrior in the service of Lord Frieza. But that is not why I am here."
The woman raised an eyebrow, her gaze narrowing as she regarded him skeptically. "And why are you here, then? To offer your assistance to the Namekians?"
Zarbon's gaze held hers as he chose his words carefully. "I am here to gather information, to understand the nature of those who have appeared on this planet. Including you and your companions."
The woman's expression shifted from skepticism to curiosity. "And what makes you think I would share anything with you?"
Zarbon took a step forward, his presence commanding yet not overtly threatening. "Because we find ourselves in an unusual situation. I have my reasons to doubt the intentions of some of these new arrivals, just as you might doubt mine. If we are to coexist, it is in both our interests to find common ground."
The woman regarded him for a moment longer before finally nodding, seemingly willing to engage in conversation. "Fine, Zarbon. I'm Bulma. I don't trust Frieza or his lackeys, but I can appreciate the notion of understanding our situation better."
Zarbon inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Very well, Bulma. Let us exchange information, and perhaps we can uncover the truth behind the events unfolding on Namek."
As Zarbon and Bulma conversed within the cave, the exchange of information flowed like a river, each revelation carrying the weight of their respective worlds. Bulma explained the dire situation that had led her and her companions to Namek – the search for the Dragon Balls to revive fallen friends and loved ones. She detailed the encounter with Vegeta, the Saiyan prince, and the subsequent clash with Frieza's henchmen.
Zarbon, in turn, provided insights into Frieza's ambitions and his tyrannical rule, shedding light on the immense power the galactic emperor wielded. He described the destructive prowess of the Ginyu Force, Frieza's elite enforcers, whose arrival on Namek was an imminent threat that neither of them could afford to ignore.
"So, these Ginyu Force are on their way here?" Bulma's expression turned grim as she absorbed the information. "We've faced our fair share of challenges, but if what you're saying is true, these Ginyu guys sound like a whole new level of danger."
Zarbon nodded, his features contemplative. "Indeed, they are formidable warriors, each with unique abilities and powers that make them incredibly dangerous. Frieza deploys them for tasks that require the utmost skill and precision. They are loyal to him, and their arrival here could spell trouble for all involved."
Bulma sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Great. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse. We need those Dragon Balls, Zarbon. We can't afford to fail. Our friends are counting on us."
Zarbon's gaze softened slightly, a glimmer of empathy in his eyes. "I understand the importance of your mission, Bulma. And while my loyalty lies with Frieza, I also recognize the need to preserve order and stability. If these Ginyu Force pose a threat not just to your goals, but to the balance of this planet, then it is in my interest to prevent any unnecessary chaos."
Bulma looked at him with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "You're willing to help us, even if it means going against Frieza's orders?"
Zarbon's expression remained serious. "I won't defy Frieza openly, but I will find a way to minimize the impact of the Ginyu's arrival. We need to strategize, Bulma. If we're going to face these warriors, we need to be prepared."
As their conversation continued, the unlikely alliance between Zarbon and Bulma deepened. Their mutual understanding of the impending threat forged a bond that transcended their differences. They began to outline a plan – one that involved gathering intelligence, uncovering the Ginyu Force's strengths and weaknesses, and finding a way to thwart their efforts without drawing Frieza's suspicions.
As Zarbon and Bulma continued their conversation within the cave, their plans and strategies taking shape, an abrupt disturbance shattered the relative calm. The entrance of the cave was bathed in a harsh light as Vegeta's figure materialized, his Saiyan armor glinting in the Namekian sun. His presence alone seemed to carry an air of hostility, a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the situation.
Bulma tensed, her eyes narrowing as she regarded the Saiyan prince. "Vegeta! What do you want now?"
Vegeta's gaze darted between Bulma and Zarbon, his expression a mix of irritation and calculation. "I'm not here to play games, woman. I'm here for that Dragon Ball."
Zarbon stepped forward, positioning himself between Vegeta and Bulma. His tone was calm, but his posture exuded authority. "Vegeta, you're interrupting a conversation. I believe you're referring to the Dragon Ball that Bulma and her companions possess. It seems you've tracked them down."
Vegeta's eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and annoyance at Zarbon's intervention. "Zarbon? What are you doing here? Are you protecting these weaklings now?"
Zarbon's lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze steady as he addressed Vegeta. "I am here to ensure that order is maintained. These 'weaklings,' as you call them, are part of a delicate situation that requires careful handling."
Vegeta's scowl deepened, his impatience evident. "I don't have time for your speeches, Zarbon. I want that Dragon Ball, and I won't ask again."
Zarbon's expression remained composed, his voice measured. "You may want the Dragon Ball, Vegeta, but consider the bigger picture. There are greater forces at play here than you realize. Obtaining the Dragon Balls is just a small piece of the puzzle. Your actions could have far-reaching consequences."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his gaze. "And what would you know about this, Zarbon? Are you suggesting that Frieza has some ulterior motive for these Dragon Balls?"
Zarbon chose his words carefully, his tone carrying a note of gravitas. "Frieza's ambitions are vast, Vegeta. While he may have given you a certain task, he has plans that extend beyond mere wishes. Consider the implications of your actions. Will you blindly follow his orders, or will you take a moment to reflect on the path you're walking?"
Vegeta's fists clenched at his sides, his inner conflict warring with his pride. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of the decision hanging over him like a storm cloud.
Zarbon maintained his steady gaze on Vegeta, his words measured and deliberate. "Vegeta, I have reason to believe that the Ginyu Force will be arriving on Namek soon. Their presence poses a significant threat, not just to your mission, but to the delicate balance of this planet. Their abilities are unmatched, and facing them would be a challenge even for someone of your strength."
Vegeta's expression shifted, a rare hint of concern flickering across his features. "The Ginyu Force, huh? I've heard of them. Frieza's elite squad of mercenaries. But what makes you think they're coming here?"
Zarbon's gaze held steady. "I have access to information that suggests their involvement, Vegeta. Their arrival could complicate matters considerably. As we stand here, discussing our next moves, they are a variable we cannot afford to ignore."
Vegeta's jaw tightened, his usual arrogance momentarily subdued by the gravity of the situation. "You're not wrong. The Ginyu Force is not to be taken lightly. But what's your angle in all of this, Zarbon? Why are you warning me?"
Zarbon's expression softened, a trace of introspection in his eyes. "Vegeta, I've served Frieza faithfully for years, unquestioningly carrying out his orders. But recent events have left me questioning the path I've chosen. Is serving Frieza truly the right thing to do? Are our actions, our loyalty, leading to a better universe?"
Vegeta's brow furrowed, a mixture of skepticism and curiosity in his gaze. "You're having doubts? About Frieza?"
Zarbon nodded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Yes, Vegeta. The power, the control – they are intoxicating, but at what cost? I cannot ignore the suffering and destruction left in our wake. The Ginyu Force's impending arrival has forced me to confront these questions head-on. Perhaps there's room for change, for a different path."
Vegeta's gaze intensified, his penetrating stare locked onto Zarbon's. "And what do you suggest, Zarbon? What do you propose we do?"
Zarbon's lips curved into a contemplative smile. "We have a common goal, Vegeta. To prevent the Ginyu Force from wreaking havoc on this planet. Our interests align, at least for now. If we combine our strengths, gather information, and strategize, we may stand a chance against this formidable threat. And who knows, perhaps in the process, we can uncover a greater truth about Frieza's intentions."
Vegeta's expression remained guarded, but a glint of intrigue shone in his eyes. "You're suggesting an alliance, then? A temporary one, to deal with the Ginyu Force?"
Zarbon nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Yes, Vegeta. An alliance of necessity, driven by the urgency of the situation. Together, we can pool our resources, anticipate the Ginyu Force's movements, and formulate a plan to protect Namek and its Dragon Balls."
Zarbon's gaze shifted between Bulma and Vegeta, the weight of his words carrying a sense of urgency. "There's something you both need to know about Frieza. He possesses the ability to transform, not once, but multiple times. Each transformation increases his power exponentially, making him even more formidable. His final form is especially terrifying."
Bulma's eyes widened in realization, her voice tinged with concern. "You mean he gets stronger with each transformation? How many forms are we talking about?"
Zarbon nodded solemnly. "Frieza has been known to have at least four major transformations. His final form, the one that he rarely reveals, is said to be his most powerful and dangerous state. It is a frightening evolution that grants him near-unstoppable strength."
Vegeta's scowl deepened, his fists clenched at his sides. "So, you're saying even if we manage to hold our ground against Frieza initially, he could just keep getting stronger?"
Zarbon's expression was grave. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. His transformations are a major factor in his dominance. But there might be a way to counteract this advantage."
Bulma's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope. "You mean using the Dragon Balls? If we make a wish to prevent Frieza from transforming, that could level the playing field significantly."
Zarbon nodded in agreement. "Precisely. The Dragon Balls have immense power, and they can grant wishes that defy conventional limitations. If we can find a way to word the wish properly, it might be possible to temporarily or permanently hinder Frieza's transformations. It won't be easy, and we'd have to tread carefully to avoid arousing suspicion, but it could be a game-changing move."
Vegeta's expression shifted from skepticism to contemplation. "If we can weaken Frieza's power, it could give us a chance to defeat him once and for all."
Zarbon's gaze met Vegeta's, a sense of shared purpose evident in his eyes. "Indeed. It won't be a simple task, and Frieza's own forces, including the Ginyu Force, will undoubtedly be a hindrance. But if we work together and gather the Dragon Balls, we might have a shot at reshaping the outcome of this conflict."
Bulma nodded, determination etched across her features. "Then let's not waste any time. We need to find those Dragon Balls and come up with a wish that can give us an edge in this fight."
As the three of them continued to discuss their strategy, the threads of fate continued to weave a complex tapestry. The alliance between Zarbon, Bulma, and Vegeta represented a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, a united front against the impending storm that was Frieza and his forces. With the potential of the Dragon Balls at their disposal, they embarked on a daring quest to alter the course of destiny and stand against the seemingly insurmountable power that threatened to consume them all.
