Shadows of the Heart: A Love Reborn

A Search for Answers

Karia woke abruptly, her heart pounding as sunlight streamed through the window. The events of the night before hit her like a tidal wave-Broly's touch, his kisses, his whispered words. Her cheeks flushed as she sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest. Then, the realization struck her.

She was naked.

Panic surged through her as she glanced to her side. Broly was still asleep, his muscular frame relaxed, his face peaceful. Her mind raced. The warmth in her chest warred with the growing nausea in her stomach-a strange sensation she couldn't ignore.

Carefully, she slipped out of bed and gathered her clothes, wincing at every sound. She dressed quickly, her hands trembling, and turned back to Broly once more. For a fleeting moment, she thought about staying, but the knot in her stomach drove her to leave.

"I need answers," she whispered to herself.

With one last glance at Broly, she teleported away.

---

Karia reappeared outside Goku and Chi-Chi's home. The warm, inviting smell of food greeted her as she stood at the doorstep. Taking a deep breath, she knocked lightly.

The door opened, revealing Chi-Chi with a curious but welcoming expression. "Karia! What a surprise. Come in, come in."

Karia stepped inside, her nerves on edge. Chi-Chi noticed her tension immediately and guided her to sit at the kitchen table.

"You look pale," Chi-Chi said, setting down a cup of tea in front of her. "What's wrong?"

Karia hesitated, unsure where to begin. Finally, she took a deep breath and said, "I... I think something's wrong with me. I've been feeling strange lately-nauseous, unsettled."

Chi-Chi's brows furrowed in concern. "Nauseous? How long has this been happening?"

"Since... recently," Karia admitted, not wanting to delve too deeply into the details of her night with Broly.

Chi-Chi's expression shifted, a flicker of understanding crossing her face. "Karia, have you considered the possibility that you might be... you know..."

Karia's eyes widened. "No. I mean... I can't be. Can I?"

Chi-Chi leaned forward, her tone gentle but firm. "Karia, Saiyan biology can be unpredictable. If you think there's even a chance, you need to find out. And I know exactly who can help."

"Who?"

"Bulma," Chi-Chi said without hesitation. "She has the technology to run tests, and she's dealt with Saiyan biology before. If anyone can give you answers, it's her."

Karia nodded slowly, the nausea in her stomach replaced by a mix of fear and determination. "Thank you, Chi-Chi."

Chi-Chi gave her a reassuring smile. "You're not alone in this, Karia. Whatever happens, we're here for you."

---

Moments later, Karia found herself standing outside Capsule Corporation. She hesitated before stepping inside, the sleek and futuristic building buzzing with activity. She approached the reception desk, where a cheerful android greeted her.

"Welcome to Capsule Corp! How can I assist you?"

"I'm here to see Bulma," Karia said.

The android nodded and gestured toward the elevator. "She's in her lab. Fourth floor."

Karia made her way to the lab, her heart pounding with every step. When the doors slid open, she saw Bulma bent over a console, her blue hair tied back, surrounded by glowing screens and gadgets.

"Bulma?" Karia called.

Bulma looked up, surprised but pleased. "Karia! What brings you here?"

Karia hesitated, feeling vulnerable under Bulma's sharp gaze. "I need your help," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bulma's expression softened, and she motioned for Karia to sit. "What's going on?"

After a moment of silence, Karia explained everything-her symptoms, her fears, and the events leading up to her current state. Bulma listened intently, her analytical mind already working through possibilities.

When Karia finished, Bulma nodded. "Alright. If you're feeling this way, it's worth checking out. Let me run some scans."

Karia followed Bulma to a nearby medical device. As the machine hummed to life, Karia lay still, her thoughts spiralling. What if Chi-Chi was right? What if everything was about to change?

After what felt like an eternity, the machine beeped, and Bulma studied the results on her tablet. Her eyes widened slightly, and she turned to Karia with a cautious expression.

"Well?" Karia asked, her voice trembling.

Bulma hesitated before speaking. "Karia... the results are inconclusive right now, but there are signs that you might be..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "...pregnant."

The word hit Karia like a lightning bolt. Her breath caught, and she sat up, shaking her head. "No. That can't be right. There must be a mistake."

"It's not definitive yet," Bulma said gently. "But the signs are there. I'd recommend waiting a little longer and running more tests to be sure."

Karia's hands clenched into fists. "How? How could this happen?"

Bulma placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Saiyan bonds are incredibly powerful. If Broly marked you, your energies may be already intertwined. This might just be a natural result of that connection."

Karia's chest tightened, anger and confusion warring within her. "I didn't choose this," she said, her voice breaking.

Bulma nodded. "I know. But you're strong, Karia. Whatever happens, you'll get through it. And you're not alone."

Karia stood abruptly, her mind racing. "I need time to think."

Bulma watched her with understanding. "Take all the time you need. And if you need anything, I'm here."

Karia nodded, her resolve hardening as she left the lab. She didn't know what she was going to do or how she was going to face Broly. But one thing was certain-her life had just changed forever.