Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Payment in Full: Saiyan's 2nd Chance ❯ No Alternatives? ( Chapter 12 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: StarbearerTM
Despite their intentions to free themselves from the Chilla hold, the saiyan survivors STILL purge worlds for information. And their latest assignment requires Radditzu AND his new mate. Does she have a Choice?

Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Hentai / Drama / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.19.2006 | Updated On: 07.26.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.3K | Visits: 376 | Status: Work In Progress

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z or Full metal alchemist. Funimation brings us these master works of anime on DVD. Toriyama created DBZ, and Full Metal Alchemist belongs to its own creators. I can only claim responsibility for the plot and the character of Atomique, Parsnip, Fermi, Bohr, Merlot, Cabernet and other fan characters here. The only pay I get is your reviews so please keep them coming! And my thanks to those who have already reviewed! Kudos and hugs to you!
No Alternative But Duty

Hours of dark dreamless sleep elapsed. For a long time she didn't move, glad that Lyssra or Bardock had honored her request for solitude. All the blinds were drawn on her side of the dwelling because she could see very little light in the dimness. Judging from the softness under her, and the blankets she realized she had somehow been transferred to the bed. Turning on her side she saw the mess of her vomit had been cleaned. Someone had left another tray of food.
Feminine light footsteps tapped in the hallway. A knock sounded on the door, followed by a female voice, "Won't you come out? You've slept through most of the day, and into the next!"
"I feel sick," she whispered. "Just let me be. Unless I'm ordered elsewhere…"
"You have to eat. You don't want to lose your strength do you?" Lyssra asked.
"Please go away," Atomique sat flatly, turning over on her side.
"As you wish," echoed Lyssra's sad reply. Atomique noticed the ring of genuine concern in the voice of Bardock's new mate. Both women trusted one another implicitly having gone through the grinding mill of training on board ship. Rarely had they spent time apart, sharing bunks and meals in proximity.
Unfortunately pleasing Lyssra was not incentive enough to rouse Atomique from her self imposed exile. She left the tray of food untouched, welcoming the empty gnawing hunger causing her to be painfully weak. Guilt flooded her waking thoughts, and she welcomed death by starvation at that moment. As if a hunger strike would be of any use in this dimension, she harshly laughed to herself.
In the silence of the household she could hear various sounds of metal clattering on metal from the kitchen area. Other faint rustles of paper suggested Bardock was shuffling his notes to transfer to computer. Oddly enough Bardock preferred scribing things down by hand instead of speaking into a scouter computer bank directly. Few Saiyans liked dealing with any more technology then necessary. All food was freshly hunted or collected, at least all food that Third Classes ate.
Her acute Saiyan hearing picked up two voices, one Bardock's the other Lyssra's. They whispered of concerns and reservations. Still the dribble of liquid and the soft slaps of plates on the wooden tables indicated that they were eating lunch or an early dinner.
“She clearly said she would perform the mission,” Bardock grumbled.
“She still feels ill.”
"She won't come out. I don't think you should have told her in that way," said Bardock.
"It was your idea, my love. You could have been much more careful," Lyssra snapped.
“I thought that you'd be best because you're female, and she has a closer affinity to you then to anyone,” Bardock grunted.
Lyssra grunted, "You think I'm any happier doing this? Why can't you get that foolish son of yours to put her on some other mission?"
"I have no choice. Radditzu won't allow it any other way. You know what Nappa and Turles would do to me if my son threw a fit? They need FOUR Saiyans on that mission. No more, no less. That's the number of space pods fitted for such a long-range trip. Even with Turles' ship giving them a boost. It takes a year to get there…"
"She's not ready for that mission, and you know it, even though she said yes doesn't mean that she won't have issues with it!" Lyssra snapped. "I'm hardly ready."
"What am I supposed to do? If she won't listen to you, I can't very well change her mind!” sighed Bardock.
"We'll just let her be for a time. There's only another week or so before the ship leaves again so there is hope she might come around,” Lyssra said. “Maybe she'll listen to her mate. Speaking of, where's that son of yours?"
"I wish I knew. Damn it," he mumbled.
“Bardock dear, it's been at least two days since he's come back! Not a word either way! And he said he was going out hunting!” Lyssra complained.
"He called earlier on the scouter and said he had a meeting with Lieutenant Commander Nappa,” Bardock mumbled. Atomique heard his words muffled by something, then a gasp of someone finishing a long swig of wine or ale.
“Why didn't you TELL me?” Lyssra protested.
“Apologies. He said he'd contact me when he was going to come back…"
"Speak of the devil," Lyssra said as Bardock's scouter bleeped. "I bet that's the loudmouth now."
"You're starting to sound like me," Bardock mumbled. "Proving that mates tend to mimic one another given time. Yes?"

Loud footfalls suddenly crashed, causing a rumble. Two loud male voices boomed through the home, causing Atomique to grit her teeth. One was Radditzu, the other Napa's. She hadn't seen much of the other Saiyan since they first landed on this world, and it was eerie to have the two enemies of her old allies there under one roof. Regardless if they were in another universe.
"Not too shabby," Napa's voice resounded.
"We're honored to have you stop by," Lyssra said. "Refreshment?"
"Go get them something, love. I'll speak to them myself," said Bardock.
"Where is she?" asked Radditzu quietly. "I'm surprised she's not scurrying around…"
"We've got a problem. She does apparently not want to come out of the room. She's been ill for at least two days and wont' eat." Bardock grumbled. Metal and glass rattled indicating beverages were being consumed. Liquid dribbled from one container to another.
"What the hell…" Radditzu snapped. Something slammed hard on a flat surface, causing other metal to clatter. "Why didn't you TELL me?"
"Maybe she's pregnant?" Napa laughed. "Scoundrel."
"She's not. I would smell it if it were so!" Radditzu grumbled at him.
"Well with all due respect you were gone for that period of time. She's YOUR mate," Bardock snapped.
"Is she having female troubles? Should I send my mate to kick her tail?" Nappa laughed.
"Don't you dare," Radditzu mumbled. "I'll speak to her myself. I'm sure that she's just not used to everything which will be expected of her."
"I'll leave you to it," Napa said. "And both of you, remember you gotta report in two more days to Central. We're getting ready to leave for the first leg. And I don't want the Commander chewing my ass red. I get enough from the mate at home!"
"You never did say why you graced us with your presence, since you rarely make house calls before," Bardock said with sarcasm.
"Just checking up on you, and making sure you're still in with the rest of us," Nappa said. "You know if one of us squeals it's all over."
"I am aware of that," said Bardock pointedly. "Considering I'm one of the ones you routinely ask for guidance on this matter."
"Making sure we all remember that's all," said Napa. "So, two days? Get your drek together and report."
"The timeline's moved up?" Lyssra commented.
"That's right pretty. You and your mate will have fun on the job for a change. Get some REAL action instead of that fourth rate stuff," Napa said.
"All right then," Bardock nodded.
"Till later," Napa said. Violent thumps boomed, then faded terminating in a whoosh of exploding ki. She turned over with a rustle of sheets, hearing what sounded like Radditzu's footsteps approaching their room.
"Maybe you should give her what you'd said you would," Lyssra whispered.
"Somehow I don't think it will help much," Bardock mumbled. "I'll be in my lab. Coming Lyssra?"
"Yes," she nodded. Her voice faded, growing distant with her footsteps padding next to the thumps of Bardock's. His walk sounded oddly like Goku's so long ago and far away.
Atomique saw a square of light on the wall beaming from over one shoulder. Shaggy spiked hair blocked the beam of the afternoon sons, burning with desert tropic intensity. Both of them must be at zenith now, for they were blinding hot even in the shadows of the room. "Precious one, are you in here?"
Atomique made no noise, feigning sleep. She buried her face in the furs, quaking with another wave of nausea. Weight shifted the mattress as he sat on the edge. A tap of something being set down next to him was followed with the tickle of rough fingers over her bared shoulder. Soft breath shivered her skin next, followed by a set of sharp teeth playfully nipping her. Hot tears welled up in eyes tightly squeezed shut. Half of her wondered how he was going to convince her to do what he asked, if what Bardock said was true.
You knew this would happen, didn't you, her mind scolded her. It was only a matter of time before he'd ask you to kill along with him. He's no different then the Saiyans in the other universe. Only this time you're one of them. One of the mass murderers. A horrible price to pay for your son's freedom.
Or Goku's, she added quickly.
"I apologize for not returning sooner, but there was much to be done. I have something for you. You know that I had spoken of bringing something back for you. Already I've given you part of my gift, but it seems the next is overdue," he whispered.
She made no movement, willing her body to be still. More kisses traced up and down her arm, while his hand slid over to caress her breast under the blanket. Atomique desperately wanted to turn over and scream her outrage at him. The sensible part of her pleaded to remain still as a statue, while the instinctual part ached to give into his advances.
"Something to wear when you aren't doing the work given. There is occasion for females to remove their armor and show their sensual sides for their mates that thirst for them. And fine bangles that would look most pretty on you," he purred. Smooth silky fabric traced over her body, followed by hard cold links and beads of what felt like strands of fine stones.
Is this what I've been reduced to, she thought. The mate of a murderer. Shaped in his image to be his perfect helpmate for doom. Her heart twisted along with her squirming stomach, aching and wanting to run as far away as she could. A rational logical part whispered words of cold logic. There was no choice. He has no more choice in what he is than you do. Perhaps it will be for the best. Maybe you can find a way to defy them and save the planets that would otherwise be doomed.
"Will you not wake and see how they fit? I'm most anxious to see if they are to your liking," he cooed as softly as his deep voice would allow.
Get real, she thought back. Sooner or later she'd be forced to be a dog of their military and add more bodies to her tally. What was a few hundred more to an alchemist who had decimated a whole village by disintegrating them.
Again his voice brought her back to the immediate reality. "Love, why do you lay here in the dark when the air is so ready for hunting? Are you not well or are you angry that I have neglected to return?"
"Where were you," she whispered, voice flat.
"You are angry. I am quite sorry," he whispered, kissing her with small brushes of his lips till he reached her mouth. His large hand turned her over onto her back, leaning over her. Something was placed around her neck and in her lap, feeling of fine things that she had thought she would only see on pleasure slaves.
"You jerk," she choked, letting malice twist her voice. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I should have," he said. Did he really know what she alluded to?
"Why didn't you tell me what was to happen?" she whispered.
"I know the time here is considerably shorter, but there will be plenty of time to make it up, I swear," he purred, pulling her into a kiss. Atomique didn't respond, simply letting him have his way.
"That's not what I mean," she said as he pulled back.
"Perhaps you worry we shall be separated? I did say you'd be working for me, didn't I?" he said.
"I was assigned to work with your father," she snapped. "What else is there that I wasn't told?"
"Tomique-chan what is this about?" he asked sternly, pulling away.
"You told me things naturally when I was human… and now that this has happened, what do I believe?" she shouted. "I don't know WHO'S right and who's wrong?"
"I told you what was necessary at the time. I had NO idea that you'd claim me in the manner in which you did. I did what I had to in order to protect my interests. That has NOTHING to do with us now," he said, voice tight with frustration.
"You're wrong. It has EVERYTHING to do with what's going on," she spat back, slapping his hand away. She pulled off the strands of precious stones and other things he had slipped on her bare neck and arms, throwing them on the floor. Along with the garments that he had lay out for her to see.
"You're angry because you thought I was lying to you, is that it?" he growled, backing away as if the pile of rejected gifts was deadly Saibamen acid.
"Yes damn it!" she yelled. "How do I know what to trust? You do what you must to survive, but is it at any cost? And now you're bribing me with this STUFF?"
"I did NOT deceive you openly, woman," he growled, pushing himself off the bed in anger. His hair crackled with gold energy, and he dropped whatever he had been carrying. With his back to her his fists clenched and opened, digging his nails into his palms. Atomique turned away, curling herself into a tight ball. Her own teeth gnashed together, as her muscles twitched with fear and hatred of what was to come. Was he going to kill her? The loud snarling in his throat suggested it might be the case.
"You shouldn't question my loyalty, woman," he said with a low voice, quivering with thinly veiled rage. "The bond between mates is one that isn't breached lightly."
"If your brother were here, and he did not do as you asked, would you kill him?" asked Atomique.
"What brought THIS on?" he snarled, whirling on her.
"Answer me. If your own brother Kakkarot were here now, and he was supposed to follow your orders, and he refused, would you kill him?" Atomique said, fixing her gaze into his.
"He would be punished," said Radditzu quietly. "Why do you ask?"
"Would your father kill you if you defied him?" she asked.
"It would be wise for him if he didn't," said Radditzu through clenched teeth. "Why the hell do you ask such things?"
"I need to know. For my own peace of mind," she said, averting her gaze.
"Are you afraid that I would kill you if you spoke against me, is that it?" Radditzu said, approaching the bed.
"Yes," she nodded.
"The price for disobedience of a commanding officer is death. You know it as well as I do, Atomique," he answered. Within a few inches of her face he loomed, dark eyes gleaming with suppressed accusation.
He slammed the flat of his hand just beside her head as she backed up against the wall. Atomique blinked, shivering as she glanced up at him. She met his gaze with hers, holding her tongue from saying anything else that might send him over the edge. While she didn't doubt her ability to fight back, she somehow knew it wasn't a good idea. Radditzu's nose almost touched hers as his other hand slid around her neck.
"You cannot change what you are, any more than I can. Are you contemplating defying me?" he asked, slowly tightening his grip on her throat.
Atomique placed both hands on his, steadying herself. She had seen Vegeta do this to Bulma, and hoped it was just a ploy to intimidate her. Judging from the way in which his grip tightened on her neck he was at least trying to scare her into thinking he would choke her. Swallowing hard she quickly blurted out, "No. It would be foolish to do so. But I want to know for the sake of curiosity, so I don't make such a stupid mistake."
"It would be wise if you cast that possibility from your mind," Radditzu snarled, squeezing a bit more tightly, but not enough to crush her windpipe. Brown eyes locked with midnight ones. Radditzu glared into her face, peering into her soul. She wondered if he could read her mind, but felt no fingers reaching to wrest the information. Rather she took in deep breaths, feeling his choke hold slowly release.
"I want to know. Don't I have a right to know the rules and penalties? Is it your right to kill me if I disobey you?" she said quietly.
His hand slid down to lightly caress her breast. Anger faced from his face and he shook his head. Apparently his deep rasping breaths served to calm him as much as hers. "It goes far deeper then that mere thing. Because if such a thing were to happen, both of our lives would be forfeit. Mine for failing to properly initiate you in our ways, and yours for such fool notions."
"I see," she said.
"You've angered me woman. You reject my gifts and shower me with suspicions. That's hardly a way to treat your mate!" he said with a look of distaste. He removed his hand, recoiling from the bed and standing up with his hands on his hips. Leaning down he began to collect the pile of gifts she had rejected.
"Sorry to be a disappointment, Radditzu," she said numbly, turning away from him. "Maybe it's best if you leave me alone."
"And here I was trying to see what was the cause of your illness. Only to find it was a foolish waste of my time to even think that you'd accept the favors that I was about to lavish upon you!"
"I will obey you, Radditzu. But I don't want your gifts. I have no use for them where we're going, do I?"
"You ungrateful fool!" he cursed.
"There are some things that material goods cannot replace," she said numbly, staring at the wall through the swirl of tears.
"I cannot fathom why you'd refuse such things! These are just mere trinkets compared to what could be ours…" he started.
"I'm sorry, but I don't' want them. The only thing I want from you now is that you leave me alone, till I come to my… senses," she choked.
"Sensible choice. I shall be outside waiting for you to rethink your ungrateful attitude," Radditzu said equally downcast. Whisking the bundle of gifts into his arms he stormed towards the door in disgust.

Radditzu yelled, stomping into the main room where Lyssra and Bardock were quietly sitting. Both looked at one another in alarm and shared irritation at the elder son's ranting. “Here we go again,” Bardock mumbled, hiding his face in his hand. “I knew it was too good to last.”
“I'm almost afraid to ask him how it went,” Lyssra groaned.
“Of all the damn, stupid!” Radditzu cursed.
Quickly she grabbed a goblet and poured it full of ylavorian. She held it out to Radditzu, who grabbed it in his free hand without even saying thank you. In two gulps he drained it, wiping his face with the back of his hand before shouting, "Idiotic WOMAN! I don't understand what's going on in her head! She knows the penalty for disobedience! What sane person in her condition would refuse a reward for her good behavior. She repays my generosity with this!"
"I told you she wouldn't like it," Bardock said, glancing up from his latest tome.
"Maybe I can put them away if she changes her mind?" Lyssra suggested. Radditzu tossed her the bundle, then marched over to his father.
Bardock shook his head, throwing down his book. He snapped, "You don't get it, do you? She doesn't want your drek eaten things, Radditzu. You DID just leave her for your little meeting expecting I would be your messenger?"
"You were there! So why didn't you!" Radditzu yelled at him.
"I already told her what she needed to know and it was MORE than enough," Bardock yelled back. "You're the ungrateful sod here! Leaving ME to clean up your messes!"
"How DARE you accuse me of such things!" Radditzu roared.
“Excuse me, I'll be right back,” Lyssra stammered, grabbing the tray holding the emptied goblets and jug of ylavorian. Moving past Bardock, Lyssra darted out of the room, knowing it was the last place she should be at that moment. She took refuge in the kitchen area, clattering about with the various containers. Quickly she set about cutting into the latest carcasses that Radditzu and Nappa had brought along with them.
"Shut up. I don't want to hear it! Ever since you got your promotion you've been throwing your weight around. In this home you're still my son, no matter what armor you wear. And if you're going to accept my advice you'll accept what I'm going to say now! So don't even START with that drek!" Bardock thundered at him, deep voice drowning out his son's protestations. Green ki crackled around Bardock in a shimmering aura, topping Radditzu's power easily.
"You see to intimidate me like a whelp, father?" Radditzu answered.
"If the ends justify the means, yes," Bardock snarled. "If power is the only thing that will shut you up and show you your place, then so be it! I'm still better than you are. Do you really want to put it to the test?"
"Don't tempt me," Radditzu growled.
"You two, what's going on?" Lyssra demanded, rushing back into the living area. Blood dripped from the knife she used to butcher the meat. Father and son flickered with their respective auras, increasing their battle powers to match one another.
"Stay out of this female, it's between us," Bardock said angrily, pushing her back behind him.
"It doesn't concern you, leave now!" Radditzu answered.
"You males are all alike no matter what the species," Lyssra snorted.
"Lyssra, leave now," Bardock gritted, glaring at her. She backed away, knowing better than to involve herself in this father/son chat.
"Might I just suggest you take it outside then?" she said, swallowing hard.
"She's right. How rude of us," Radditzu said, powering down.
"True. Even if that's the only thing we agree on," Bardock grunted, dropping his power as well.

“Is that the only thing?” interrupted a feminine voice.
“You're up!” Lyssra said. “Are you all right?”
“Who dares?” Bardock and Radditzu yelled, whirling around to face whoever had interrupted them.
"Radditzu, Bardock please don't do this," Atomique asked, standing in the doorway. She was wrapped in one of the pelts from the bed, clinging to the doorsill.
"So, you're finally showing your face, eh? What changed your mind?" Radditzu asked.
"I want to talk to you. And offer an apology," Atomique said quietly.
"Humph, you show some sense after all," Radditzu snorted.
"Radditzu, shut up!" Bardock snapped at him. "Both of you are going to work out whatever it is between you, and you'll do it now. We can't afford to have this drek get in the way of the mission."
"You made such a hash of explaining it, didn't you?" Radditzu snapped at him.
"Maybe you should tell her yourself, if I messed up so badly?" Bardock asked.
Radditzu huffed, chest heaving in and out with great breaths. Bardock glared threateningly at him, forming a green ball in the palm of his hand. He tossed it up and down, eyeing both Atomique and his son. Slowly Atomique stumbled over to where Radditzu stood, crouching with his hands extended.
"Radditzu please can we talk alone?" asked Atomique.
"Someone seems to have other ideas," said Radditzu, hair crackling as it stood on end. "Father, are you really challenging me?"
"Bardock, what are you doing?" Lyssra gasped.
"You two end this now. I won't have you both disagreeing in this house. Work it out or leave now," Bardock said. "Go over to him, girl. Now."
Radditzu hastily moved over, grasping Atomique and pulling her to his side. Bardock's eyes flickered over both of them. A ki ball exploded inches from where she had been standing for emphasis. "That could have been either one of you. And it will be much worse than anything you or I could do, if you aren't working together, got it?"
"I know," said Atomique.
"Spare me your histrionics father. We will speak of this, won't we?" Radditzu asked, keeping his voice steady though his muscles quivered right next to Atomique's. She nodded anxiously, accepting his grip on her body.