Shadows of the Heart: A Love Reborn

A Saiyan's Secret

Karia paced restlessly in Bulma's lab, her heart hammering in her chest. Her visit earlier had confirmed what she already suspected-she was pregnant with Broly's child. The knowledge weighed heavily on her, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Fear, anger, confusion, and a strange, unspoken hope all fought for dominance. But one thing was clear: Broly could not know.

Bulma leaned against her desk, watching Karia with a mix of concern and understanding. "You have to tell someone, Karia. You can't carry this on your own."

"I know," Karia whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. "But I can't tell him. Not yet. Maybe not ever."

Bulma sighed. "That's your choice, but Goku and Vegeta deserve to know. They're your family, Karia. They'll support you."

Karia hesitated, her tail flicking anxiously behind her. She had been avoiding this conversation, but Bulma was right. She couldn't keep this a secret from everyone. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "I'll tell them. But I'm not ready to face Broly about this yet. Promise me you won't say anything if he comes looking for answers."

Bulma gave a small, reassuring smile. "Your secret's safe with me. Just... don't take too long. Secrets have a way of getting out."

---

Later that day, Karia found Goku and Vegeta training on a mountaintop, their energy blasts echoing across the valley. The sight of them brought a small sense of comfort-familiarity in the chaos of her emotions. But it also made her nerves spike.

Steeling herself, she called out, "Goku! Vegeta!"

Both turned toward her, their sparring immediately halting. Goku grinned and waved. "Hey, Karia! What's up?"

Vegeta landed beside him, his arms crossed and his usual scowl in place. "This better be good," he muttered.

Karia approached them slowly, her hands trembling. "I need to talk to you. Both of you."

Goku's expression softened. "What's wrong?"

Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Karia hesitated, the words catching in her throat. Finally, she took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Goku's eyes widened. "What?!"

Vegeta's scowl deepened. "You're joking."

She shook her head, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I'm not joking. It's true. And before you ask... it's Broly's."

Goku took a step back, his hands running through his hair. "Broly's?!" His voice was filled with shock and confusion. "How... when...?"

Vegeta, however, wasn't as composed. "You let that savage get close enough to do this?" His tone was sharp, his disbelief clear.

"I didn't let anything happen!" Karia snapped, her anger flaring. "This wasn't part of some plan, Vegeta!"

Goku stepped between them, his hands raised in a calming gesture. "Hey, calm down. Arguing isn't gonna help." He turned to Karia, his tone softer. "Are you okay?"

Karia looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know. I'm scared. I don't know what to do."

Goku's expression softened further. "We'll figure it out together. You're not alone in this."

Vegeta huffed, his arms crossing again. "And what about Broly? Does he know?"

"No," Karia said firmly, meeting Vegeta's gaze. "And he's not going to know. At least not now."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "You think you can hide this from him? He's not an idiot, Karia. He'll find out eventually."

"I know," she admitted. "But I need time to figure this out first. Time to decide what's best for me and this child."

Goku placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Whatever you need, we'll be here for you. Right, Vegeta?"

The older Saiyan muttered something under his breath before nodding begrudgingly. "Fine. Just don't let this become a liability."

Karia managed a small smile, grateful for their support despite the circumstances. "Thank you. Both of you. This means a lot."

---

As the wind picked up around them, Karia took a step back, her resolve firming. "I've made another decision," she said, her tone steadier now. "I'm going back to Lord Beerus and Whis."

Goku blinked, surprised. "You're leaving? Now?"

"Yes," she said. "It's the only place where I can think clearly, away from all of... this."

Vegeta frowned, his arms crossing again. "Running back to Beerus won't solve your problems. What happens when Broly finds you?"

"I'll deal with that when the time comes," Karia replied sharply. "But I can't stay here. It's too much."

Goku looked conflicted but finally nodded. "If that's what you need, we understand. But don't shut us out completely, okay? We're here for you, no matter what."

"I know," Karia said softly, her gaze flicking between the two Saiyans. "Thank you. Both of you."

As she prepared to leave, a part of her felt a pang of guilt for keeping so much from them-and from Broly. But another part of her knew she needed this distance. For her sake, and the child she was now determined to protect.