Chapter Text
Dr. Briefs maneuvered the vehicle between the narrow streets of Pomme's city, glancing at the navigation system. A veil of rusty-orange dust surrounded their car, swirling around its wheels.
Panchy hummed a cheerful tune, crocheting something. She wasn't excited about their relocation, but she knew that this field of research was her husband's a once in a lifetime research with a unique opportunity to meet his study subjects in person. As a devoted wife, Panchy followed him, taking their daughters with them.
Tights raised her gaze from the book, "Hey, Dad, are we there yet?"
"Not yet, sweety." Dr. Briefs sighed, "The cottage I rented is located on the city's outskirts."
He sighed, "I know the facility is distant from the city center, but I picked this one because it less distraction from my work."
"I wonder how you got the permission, dear." Panchy sighed, counting the row for the next patch, "It might be treacherous."
"I'm aware of the potential stakes, but I waited to fulfill this study for ten years." The car took a sharp turn to the nearby quarter, driving by, "I would be one of the few researchers who directly contacted the First People tribe ever."
"Neat!" Tights' big dark eyes lit with excitement, "I hope I can meet them once, too!"
"It might take some time." Dr.Briefs furrowed his eyebrows, "The First People are highly cautious and hostile toward strangers from the outer world. It won't be easy to buy their trust on a whim."
Little Bulma ignored the family's conversation, pressing her button nose against the stained glass of the car's window. The sun was still high, and its rays mercilessly hit her eyes. But, she preferred to shun it, peering and trying to capture the landscape outside the family car's window.
She spotted the pale-yellow walls of the huts near the road, green and brown flashes of the date palms, and colorful swirls of the locals' clothes.
Ah, but she wants to see more than those pieces! It was so different from what she saw in West City. Bulma was eager to explore the new world that her parents relocated in. Maybe she'll convince Dad or Tights to take her to the city.
"And we have arrived, ladies!" Dr.Briefs called, parking the machine, "This will be our house for the next couple of years."
"Oh, my!" Panchy gasped, peeking from the car's window, "This place is beautiful! I should check what I can plant in the garden with the locals. They can give me a tip or two!"
Tights closed the book with a slight 'thump!" glancing at Bulma, "What do you say, shortcake? Should we go to the city later on?"
"Mhm!" Bulma nodded, looking at their new apartment. She couldn't wait to explore their new place!
***
Vegeta reached the rock shelter on a cliff and tapped on the stone with his foot, checking its resilience. He huffed, wiping his sweaty forehead with the sleeve of his dusty-red tunic.
Yes, he can call it a day.
Vegeta straightened up, peering into the horizon. It was late afternoon, and the sun was going down. The skies were clear, and the air was hot and still. The dunes gleamed in the weak light of the sun, resembling a golden carpet.
A little red lizard sneaked between the stone creeks, sliding into its den. Vegeta glanced at it, following its path. The reptile probably sought a cool hideout, hiding from the scorching heat.
The boy crossed his arms, carefully studying his surroundings. It wasn't the first time he explored the wast desert's landscapes when he was free of his studies.
One day, it'll be his reign territory.
Vegeta was eager to learn about the outside world from a very young age. From time to time, he visited Pomme city with his father, gaping at the colorful sights of the local bazaar.
But it was only a glimpse, a taste. Vegeta wanted to see more of it and discover what the outer world had to suggest to him and his tribe. It could benefit them.
Yet, The First People tribe was wary of other nations and preferred to stay in the Sarada desert, wandering around and relocating their settlements. As their future leader, he had to keep this balance.
The sun went down, and the air became chill. Vegeta shivered, hiding his dry, small palms in the sleeves of his tunic.
Today Vegeta managed to sneak into the throne hall. From what he heard, some professors will visit and study their tribe's customs.
Or was it one professor? Who cares.
The researchers were curious about Vegeta's tribe's culture and lifestyle. It wasn't the first visit from the outer world to their tribe. The elders of the tribe told them a couple of tales and customs, leaving them satisfied.
As a sign of gratitude, the researchers granted them some technologies and vehicles, teaching his tribe how to use them.
The most curious invention that picked Vegeta's attention was the gaming console. Vegeta chuckled, remembering how he won several online matches in "Immortal Arena." It was fun.
Tomorrow he will visit Yareq' city. It was abandoned in the previous conflict between his tribe and the Heran people, and they didn't restore it yet.
However, they will return there one day. If not now, then the day he will become the king.
He knew it.