Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 6: Vegeta's Dilemma

Vegeta's fists clenched and unclenched as he paced the sterile lab. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, grating on his already frayed nerves. His mind raced, replaying the moment of Goku's transformation over and over. The flash of light. The startled gasp. And then...her.

He whirled to face Bulma, barely containing the frustration in his voice. "Woman, I need answers. Now."

Bulma's eyes flicked up from her computer screen, a mix of exasperation and understanding in her gaze. "I'm working on it, Vegeta. This isn't exactly simple, you know."

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, data scrolling at dizzying speeds. Vegeta's eyes narrowed, trying to make sense of the information. Useless. He slammed a palm on the desk, making Bulma jump.

"Work faster," he growled. "Every moment Kakarot remains in that...form...is a moment wasted."

Bulma's eyebrow arched. "Oh? And here I thought you'd be thrilled to have your rival out of commission."

Vegeta scowled, turning away. He couldn't admit the truth - that seeing Goku so changed, so diminished, left him feeling...lost. Without purpose.

"It's unnatural," he muttered. "A Saiyan warrior reduced to...that."

Bulma's voice softened. "We'll figure it out, Vegeta. I promise."

He grunted, unconvinced. His gaze drifted to the window, to the gravity chamber outside. Even training held little appeal now. What was the point, with no worthy opponent?

"There," Bulma said, drawing his attention back. "I've pulled up everything we know about those ponds. It's not much, but it's a start."

Vegeta leaned in, studying the screen. Somewhere in that data lay the key to restoring his rival - and with her, his purpose.

---

Vegeta crossed his arms, muscles tensing. His eyes locked onto the screen, scanning the data. A knot formed in his gut, unfamiliar and unwelcome.

"Bulma," he said, voice low. "Could this... affect me?"

The words tasted bitter. Admitting weakness, even the possibility of it, went against every fiber of his being. But the thought of losing his Saiyan abilities, of becoming as soft and directionless as Kakarot...

Bulma's fingers stilled on the keyboard. She turned, blue eyes searching his face. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken concerns.

"I... I'm not sure, Vegeta," she finally admitted. Her usual confidence wavered. "From what we've seen, the curse seems tailored to Goku. But..."

"But?" Vegeta pressed, leaning in.

Bulma sighed. "We're dealing with unknown forces here. Magic, maybe. I can't rule out the possibility it could affect others. Especially other Saiyans."

Vegeta's jaw clenched. His mind raced, imagining himself transformed, powerless. Pathetic.

"We need to be cautious," Bulma continued. "Until we know more-"

"Caution?" Vegeta scoffed. "I'm a warrior, woman. I don't have time for caution."

But even as the words left his mouth, a seed of doubt took root. For once, perhaps, caution was warranted.

----

Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his fists clenching at his sides. The familiar fire of competition roared to life within him, drowning out the whisper of doubt.

"I need to understand this curse. All of it," he growled, stepping closer to Bulma. "Not just for Kakarot's sake, but to ensure my own powers remain intact."