Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 23: The New Normal

The punch sliced through empty air. Frost's fist trembled, her knuckles white with exertion. Sweat trickled down her temple, golden eyes narrowed in concentration. She inhaled sharply, centering herself.

Again.

Her arm lashed out, aiming for the gnarled oak before her. No energy crackled around her fist. No devastating impact followed. Just the dull thud of flesh against bark.

Frost hissed through clenched teeth. "Pathetic."

She glared at her small hands, so unlike the powerful appendages she once possessed. This frail human form was a mockery of her true self. Where was the strength that had brought entire planets to their knees?

"I am Freeza," she snarled. "Emperor of the universe. I will not be defeated by this... weakness."

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she struck the tree again and again. Each impact sent shockwaves of pain up her arm, but she welcomed it. Pain meant she was alive. It meant she could still fight.

Frost's mind raced, analyzing her predicament. There had to be a way to unlock her latent power. She refused to believe otherwise. Her pride wouldn't allow it.

"I've conquered galaxies," she muttered. "Destroyed civilizations. I will not be undone by this cursed spring."

She paused, chest heaving. The forest around her seemed to mock her efforts, its peaceful serenity a stark contrast to the turmoil within. Frost's eyes blazed with determination.

"I will reclaim my power," she vowed. "Whatever it takes."

---

Vegeta crouched behind a row of lockers, her slight frame barely concealed by the ill-fitting school uniform. Her eyes narrowed as she tracked Bulla's blue hair bobbing through the sea of students.

"Just protecting my little princess," she muttered, inching forward.

Bulla's shoulders tensed. She whirled around, sapphire eyes flashing. "Sis! I can sense you, you know!"

Vegeta straightened, crossing her arms. "A true warrior is always vigilant, Bulla."

"This is school, not a battlefield!" Bulla hissed, cheeks flushing.

A lanky boy bumped into Vegeta. "Watch it, girlie!"

Vegeta's eye twitched. "What did you call me, you insolent—"

"Sis, no!" Bulla grabbed her arm, dragging her aside. "You can't threaten students!"

"I wasn't going to threaten him," Vegeta grumbled. "Just teach him some respect."

Bulla pinched the bridge of her nose. "By blasting him through a wall?"

"It would be an educational experience."

A crowd had gathered, whispers and giggles erupting around them. Bulla's face burned hotter.

"You're embarrassing me!" she snapped. "I'm not a little kid anymore. I can handle high school without you hovering!"

Vegeta's brow furrowed. "But what if—"

"No 'what ifs'! Go home!"

She stood her ground, jaw set. "A Saiyan prince doesn't run from—"

"NOW!"

Their eyes locked in a battle of wills. For a moment, Vegeta saw herself reflected in her daughter's fierce gaze. Pride warred with concern in her chest.

---

The sun beat down on Kakarot's pink hair as she hefted a bale of hay, muscles straining under her tank top. She grinned, relishing the burn.