Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 24: Adapting

Frost's heart pounded as she stood outside Bulma's lab, her hand hovering over the door handle. Panic gripped her chest. What if Bulma discovered her secret? Her true form? Exile. Rejection. No, focus. She needed this. Trust was a gamble, but the alternative—

She sucked in a sharp breath and pushed the door open. The lab's cool air washed over her as she stepped inside, her eyes darting around the room. Sleek metal surfaces gleamed under harsh fluorescent lights. Monitors blinked with cascading data. A low hum permeated the air, the heartbeat of cutting-edge technology.

Frost's gaze landed on a curved examination table, surrounded by an array of intimidating machinery. Her stomach clenched.

"You can do this," she whispered to herself, clenching her fists. "It's just a few tests. In and out."

She scanned the room for Bulma, half-hoping the brilliant scientist wasn't here. But no, there she was, emerging from behind a towering computer bank.

Bulma's eyes lit up. "Frost! You made it. I was beginning to wonder if you'd changed your mind."

Frost forced a smile, willing her voice to remain steady. "Wouldn't miss it. Your work is... legendary."

"Flatterer," Bulma said with a wink. She gestured towards the examination table. "Shall we get started?"

Frost nodded, her throat suddenly dry. As she followed Bulma, her mind raced. What if the tests revealed too much? What if—

"Relax," Bulma said, her tone softening. "I promise, this won't hurt a bit."

Frost met Bulma's gaze, searching for any hint of suspicion. She found only warmth and curiosity. Maybe, just maybe, this would be okay.

---

Bulma's warm smile put Frost at ease. The scientist's blue hair gleamed under the lab lights as she turned, revealing a surprising new feature.

"Is that... a tail?" Frost blurted, eyes widening.

Bulma laughed, her lion-like appendage swishing playfully. "Oh, this? Just a little side effect of my recent Saiyan transformation. Pretty wild, right?"

Frost's heart raced. "Saiyan transformation? You mean, you're—"

"Freshly minted full blooded Saiyan now, yeah," Bulma nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's been quite the adjustment, but the research potential is incredible! That's partly why I'm so eager to run these tests on you."

Frost's mind whirled. Could it be? She'd assumed her own changes were unique, but if Bulma had experienced something similar...

"I... I think I know exactly what you mean," Frost stammered, gesturing animatedly. "The power, the surge of energy – it's overwhelming sometimes, isn't it?"

Bulma cocked her head, curiosity piqued. "Oh? Have you been experiencing something similar?"

Frost nodded eagerly, words tumbling out. "Yes! I thought I was alone in this, but if you're going through it too... This is amazing!"

She reached out, grabbing Bulma's hands impulsively. "We have so much to discuss! I can't believe we're both—"

Frost caught herself, realizing she might be revealing too much. But the connection, the possibility of truly being understood – it was intoxicating.

---

Bulma's eyes lit up, her scientific curiosity piqued. "Well then, let's not waste any time! Come on, I've got everything set up."

She led Frost to a gleaming examination table, sleek and intimidating. Monitors hummed to life, surrounding them in a cocoon of technology. Frost's heart raced, a mix of excitement and apprehension.