Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Payment in Full: Saiyan's 2nd Chance ❯ Point of No Return ( Chapter 13 )

Payment in Full

By StarbearerTM aka Trynia Merin

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!

Point of No Return

***

 

An eternity seemed to pass in that moment. Atomique swallowed what little remained of her guilt, determined that somehow she would atone for what she was about to agree to. Bardock's dark eyes gleamed, almost pleading her to accept the assignment as she stood at Radditzu's side. However that softness hardened into anger and rage, gleaming as brightly as the huge ball of ki he formed in his hands.

 

"Father, are you seriously threatening me?" Radditzu asked.

 

"Not in the house!" Lyssra snapped, grabbing his bare arm.

 

"Stay OUT Of this, little one," Bardock growled, his eyes narrowed to slits. The image of that scarred warrior as Goku's shade forever burned itself into Atomique's mind. If Goku had been raised in this crazy environment would he have made any different choices then his father?

 

"I've got to get out of here," she thought to herself, feeling Radditzu's hand tightening on her wrist.

 

"You really are an idiot, Father. I know you're bluffing," Radditzu laughed.

 

"Get out of my house boy and I'll show you who's bluffing! You've had this coming for a LONG time, you ungrateful sod! What you mother saw in you I'll never know!" Bardock grated harshly.

 

"How can you say that to your own son?" Atomique found herself saying.

 

"You should know disappointment, being a parent yourself," said Bardock angrily, glaring at her. "Shut up woman."

 

"Bardock, please, for my sake don't do this!" Lyssra urged him.

 

"What are you trying to prove? That you can scare the shit out of me Father? Because this is really getting me irritated," Radditzu said with a low growl. Under her body she felt the crackling of his power surging into a level that she couldn't fathom.

 

"Why? What ARE you doing?" Atomique demanded.

 

"Your fate is bound to his forever, don't you realize, female?" Bardock growled at her. "If he dies, you die. Like it or not, you're part of one another, and you MUST accept it and move on. And this ungrateful sod had better realize it as well!"

 

"You really think I care about this useless display of power? I'm far stronger than you'll ever be, Father," Radditzu taunted him, grabbing her around he waist and backing out of the house with her. Atomique yelped as he shot backwards, holding her around the waist at his hip like she weighed nothing.

 

"What the hell are you doing? Radditzu, are you insane?" Atomique blurted out as he rocketed out from the canopy of trees. Somehow she had left her stomach behind with the force of his increasing velocity. Trees and sky blurred into a pastiche of colors, while the air boomed and rattled with his bursting through the sound barrier.

 

"My father has lost leave of his senses. And I have no wish to lower myself to his petty ambitions to 'punish' me," Radditzu grumbled under his breath.

 

"He's your father," she stammered.

 

"You're my mate. It seems the old fool thought he could scare me by threatening you. He's wrong," Radditzu answered quietly.

 

"But what the hell are you trying to accomplish by all that posturing… would he really have killed you or me?"

 

"It is his right as a father," said Radditzu quietly. "But he forgets that I have surpassed him in power. A purger has far more hidden energy then a third class scientist scout."

 

"Are you so sure of that? Why do I feel doubt and fear then?" she asked.

 

Radditzu whisked her out from under his arm, dangling her over the canopy of trees. Still she only wore the animal skin hitched around her body. Dark eyes burned into her soul, frowning with a mixture of rage and confusion. "Damn it," he cursed, turning his gaze away. "I suppose there's no hiding anything from you. But YOU are terrified as well."

 

"I don't want to slaughter for your glory or anyone else's!" she said angrily. "Don't you think there's a BETTER way to live then killing defenseless beings? Where's the SPORT in that?"

 

"You aren't as big a fool as I thought, woman," Radditzu said as he caught her gaze again. "I know your fears as well as my own. You're afraid that I'll kill you if you fail in your mission. But you don't realize that you have absolute freedom as to how you accomplish it."

 

"What MISSION is it? Knocking off some planets so you can find your prince with some stupid ransom?" she asked.

 

"Keep quiet," he hissed. "How much has he told you?"

 

"Read my mind and find out," she said jutting out her jaw defiantly to show her bottom teeth. "Or am I just a female who has no say?"

 

"You are my mate now, idiot," he said, shaking his head with a small smile. "I must put up with your stupidity as well as your moments of lucidity. And I can no more kill you then kill myself. But make no mistake, if I die, you'll die or go insane. You can't think of trying to run away from me now. This fate you've sealed yourself."

 

"So I've no body to blame but me? Is THAT what you're saying?" she asked.

 

"Saiyan bonds are for LIFE. Your fate and mine are inextricably bound, woman. A Saiyan may kill his own brother or father, but NEVER his mate. Only if she fails to please him BEFORE the sealing. And now we are one," he said quietly.

 

"How? I don't feel that different?"

 

"Because your mind knows how to partition it off. But if I die, you'll know it. You'll feel the emptiness and weakness pouring through you like a cancer. I will know if you're hurt, and likewise. Our greatest weakness is our greatest strength," he said.

 

"Why are we running away? Everything you have is there… surely he's only bluffing… to get me to do what you wish," she snorted.

 

"We won't be returning there, precious one. Enough time has been wasted. Napa explicitly gave orders that the timeline has been moved up. And thanks to you, we're already late. But it's also thanks to you that we might still make preliminary briefing in time," Radditzu said.

 

"I'm half naked you jerk!" she shouted.

 

"You should have thought of that before you refused my gifts," he said quietly.

 

"I'm sorry, but I'm angry and hurt," she said.

 

"I don't blame you, idiot. You don't know any better. But in time perhaps I can teach you the error of your ways when you meet the others," he said with a slight laugh, not putting her down as they landed.

 

Other Saiyans were crossing the courtyard in their various haste to get to wherever it is they were going. Some of they laughed and winked at Radditzu carrying his mate in little but a soft skin. Others grinned, and some frowned and averted their gaze. He shifted her onto his shoulder, carrying her so that her backside was draped alongside his banner of hair, and her face was across his chest, watching his dark booted feet grinding against pavement.

 

"So you're SERIOUSLY not going back because your father…" she trailed off.

 

"Exactly. I have no need for his dramatics. So as long as you and I disagree he won't let us return. But that matters not because we will not be returning for a long time," he laughed, throwing back his head. Long spikes quivered with the harsh tones of his guffaw. Atomique rolled her eyes, submitting herself to being carried in next to nothing.

 

"Looks like someone had fun," a female voice commented. Atomique glanced up to see Cabernet standing just before an arching doorway to one of the smaller spired buildings. Most of them were the main palace complex and launch facilities. Quarters of first class and elite were in the spires in the second tier out.

 

"And you as well?" Radditzu commented, seeing her look of amusement. A healthy flush complimented her skin, and she winked down at Atomique.

 

"You take good care of this loudmouth I see. He's not as big a pain in the tail as he can usually be," Cabernet laughed.

 

"He still is! He and his FATHER argued and I'm being carried around like…" she stammered.

 

"Bring her inside. That loudmouth mate of mine is waiting for both of you. The others are already here. I take it your father won't be joining us at this briefing?"

 

"He was most displeased. But that doesn't matter in this case does it?" he asked.

 

"He's already had his orders," Cabernet shrugged, motioning them to follow her.

 

"You CAN put me down, jerk," Atomique mumbled.

 

"You'd better go get yourselves fed and cleaned up. Turles is due for inspection, and we can't have our newest team member in the altogether regardless of her sexual prowess," Cabernet laughed.

 

"Shut up," Atomique glared at her. Cabernet let loose another peal of laughter, leading the way through a large domed chamber. It had the same layout of Bardock's dwelling, but each item was far nicer in craftsmanship and materials, suggesting it must be Cabernet and Napa's own quarters. Loud blasts resounded, and she saw a few Saiyan youths walking through. Some of them were older, while the others were far smaller.

 

"This your home?" Atomique asked.

 

"It is. Soon to be expanded by a factor of one, thanks to a successful rut," she bragged.

 

"You're pregnant? When is your due date?"

 

Cabernet blinked at her, then smirked. "A good rev from now. But they are in good care. Chablis is quite versed in the care and training of whelps."

 

"How many children do they have?" she asked Radditzu.

 

"You may change in there. Romaine brought over the new equipment yesterday. He's our eldest, and our biggest hope," Cabernet explained. "Then there's Raddochio, our oldest daughter, mated to Habeniero of the elite science counsel. Sauvignon and Chablis are the next two. Then it's easy to miss Legume and Soya… they were the two whelps that just blew past…"

 

"Six children?" she mumbled.

 

"I was one of ten," said Cabernet. "One of the few that survived. I'm certain you'll be adding to your own family in time…"

 

"We shall see," Radditzu said quietly. He set Atomique down once they entered a small bedchamber. Small windows allowed them a view of the city spires immediately to their left and right. Gleaming specks whizzing up from the periphery spires indicated flying craft of some sort. Mountains occupied the views not dominated by buildings, clad in their blankets of green.

 

"If it were Vegitasei you'd see desert," Radditzu mumbled, setting her on the bed. "Now, I suggest you and I cleanse ourselves and we'll join them for lunch. I hope you'll be of a more agreeable disposition…"

 

"What the hell am I supposed to wear?" she complained.

 

"You'll see," he said teasingly, throwing a bottle of cleaning supplies. With outstretched arms she caught the bottle that arced towards her. A grin twisted up one corner of Radditzu's smile. He chuffed in amusement, shaking his head at her.

***

Despite her anger, she did help him off with his armor. Midway through the undressing, he laughed and threw her into the shower alone.

 

Sighing she cleaned herself off from the shame, sweat and aches of the previous week. Radditzu had left her alone for the first time since rushing off to hunt.

 

As she flared herself with ki to dry, she saw him wander in, without a stitch of clothes on. "You'll find a change of clothes on the bed. It's my turn now. I must say you look quite ravishing. If we weren't due for briefing I'd take you here and now…"

 

"Thank you for letting me… shower alone," she blurted out. Around his hips he slung a drying cloth to cover his modesty, something he had not before bothered to do.

 

"I had other things to attend to. Now go get dressed. I'll join you soon," he said, pulling her around the waist. She gasped as he bit her ear, then released her. His dark eyes twinkled with renewed humor, no presence of his former fury.

 

"He's going to drive me nuts," she thought as she saw him climb into the cleansing booth. Loud off key singing soon drove her further from the hygiene area.

 

She returned to the room, seeing a suit of black armor and AE laying neatly arranged on the bed. Mumbling she picked up the bindings and boots, wondering why they looked so familiar. It dawned on her that the armor was identical in design to his, and she shuddered. It seemed to have shrunk, as all the Saiyan armor did till it was pulled onto the wearer. Bardock explained the armor was one size fits all, till it grew to shape its wearer.

 

The undergarment was identical to one of Radditzu's bodysuits. Viscoelestic cloth mimicked her bust, reinforcing it and shaping it for support. IT smelled of ozone and other things not resembling musk. Easily she tugged the long boots on, seeing that they went past her knees to mid thigh. Ever since her 'grafting' she realize she must have put on at least four inches in height. Because she came to just under Radditzu's chin instead of his mid chest now. Grumbling she struggled to haul the chestplate over her head and wriggle into it. Instantly the material flexed to conform to her bosom and hips. An armored skirt and bracers completed the look, except for what appeared to be a new or relatively new scouter sitting on the table.

 

Glancing down she saw that the gleaming black surface of one bracer seemed slightly scuffed. The armor appeared to be slightly used. With a sigh, she fiddled with the new scouter, then sat down on the bed. An eerie sense of déjà vu spread over her at the sight of her reflection in the mirror nearby. Was it deliberate or was the armor an exact copy of her mate's?

 

"Jerk, I'm going to kill him for this," she mumbled, not wanting to look at herself in the mirror. Although her hair was far shorter then his, it still spilled past her shoulders to just above her mid back. It had stopped growing at that length when she was brought out of the conditioning tanks. Little of the human texture remained, even though her eyes were still dark brown, not black.

 

"Son of a bitch," she mumbled. Grabbing one of the nearby books she hurled it at the mirror. It bounced harmlessly off, landing with a thump.

 

"You ready in there whelps?" Cabernet called. Loud knocks vibrated the solid door standing between her and the rest of the house.

 

"Yes," she said. "But Radditzu's still getting cleaned up…"

 

"Leave him and come along. He'll join us when he's ready," Cabernet said. "males always take so damn long."

 

She reluctantly opened the door, seeing Cabernet glancing her up and down. A small hint of respect and astonishment filled Napa's mate's face. "What?" Atomique asked. "It was left on the bed."

 

"Suits you, small one. You look more like one of us," she grunted. "Come… they're expecting us."

 

"Who?"

 

"You'll see," she said, hustling her along. Midway through the hall she yelled for someone. The two youngest children rushed out, carrying various items of food or game in their hands. They scurried at her barked orders towards a central area furnished with a vast round table. Chablis and her younger brother were shifting out massive carved chairs. Still he had dark blue streaks festooning his mop of hair. She noticed the start of a beard and mustache on his upper lip, giving him a resemblance to his father.

 

"Looking nice, for a third class," Chablis whistled. "Is that the same one I saw on board ship? You've filled out well."

 

"Thank you, I think," Atomique mumbled, feeling sick to her stomach. Chablis and her brother wore black armor with gold flashes on the shoulders and hips, much in the design of hers. Except Chablis wore long leggings that hid her flesh, and no body jewelry save earrings and bracelets over her bracers. A long necklace hung at her throat however, and the front panel of her armor was open in a V shape to show cleavage.

 

Cabernet's armor had the shoulder flashes, but hers was gleaming white. At the head of the table sat Napa already, accepting the large plates of food from his two oldest. Cabernet shoved Atomique to sit on one of the smaller stools next to a large chair she presumed was for Radditzu. Once they had seated themselves, she saw the motion of veiled servants in gold collars and brief clothes scurrying out with the other courses. To her shock she felt something-slimy brush her shoulder.

 

"What the?"

 

"Forgive me mistress, would you like some wine?" asked the owner of the hissing voice. Gold eyes set in a red scaly face looked at her with fear.

 

It was one of the Destroyers. Perhaps one of the few survivors. Female, and young. Her body trembled, expectant, her gaze averting. Atomique nodded, pointing to her goblet and shuddering at the sheer terror sparkling the youth's eyes. Another destroyer male clad in a white kilt and bare feet shuffled about, filling goblets for the others. Napa shouted angrily at him, and he dropped to his knees quivering.

 

"Stupid slave, you know NOT to spill," Cabernet glared at him.

 

"My apologies mistress," he shivered.

 

"That's Fourteenth," Atomique realized. Without his thick skin of armor he was hardly recognizable. What tipped her off was the sound of his voice, and that green stripe on his long plume of hair. Green eyes flickered dull with fear as Cabernet raised her fist, generating a small ball of ki.

 

He had been one of the ones to abduct her children. Loathing filled her when he darted around to her chair, holding the tray of jvaraugh fruit. "Mistress… fruit?"

 

"Yes," she said, glaring at him. His eyes held fear, no sign of recognition.

 

"Apologies mistress," he stammered, averting his gaze and letting her take what she wanted. On his knees he remained, waiting.

 

"You can go. Don't forget to dismiss them whelp. They don't' know otherwise," Chablis whispered, leaning over towards her.

 

"I see," Atomique mumbled.

 

"You thirds don't have house slaves, do you? Ah well, I forget easily," said Sauvignon. "but that might soon change."

 

"Shut up brother," said Chablis, glaring at him.

 

"Where's her mate?" asked Romaine, glancing at his father quietly.

 

"Not far away," said Radditzu's voice, from immediately behind Atomique's shoulder.

 

"So, you finally show your face, whelp. About damn time. We were about to eat everything without your lazy tail," Napa said. "You're making this pretty mate of yours wait for you! Shame!"

 

"My apologies," he said. "May I join your family at table?"

 

"Sit down and shut up, and we'll see," Napa grunted, spitting out a few bones to his side. One of the slaves darted in to pick them up quickly. The female Destroyer moved around to pull out a chair for Radditzu. Promptly he sat down, his hand brushing over Atomique's. Eyes fell on her, and she realized why he was hesitating to pull himself into the table. Mumbling she climbed up out of her stool. His hand swept down and pulled her into his lap with a satisfied grunt.

 

"I am sorry love. My new armor gave me some resistance," he whispered, drawing his tail over her thigh.

 

"New armor?" she muttered, reaching down to feed him some of the food off the plate they would now share.

 

"Hmm, what I had to do. And that armor looks splendid upon you," he purred.

 

"Did you get a promotion?" she asked, fingering the gold flashes.

 

"She doesn't know does she?" Chablis asked.

 

"Shh, don't be rude!" Cabernet glared at her.

 

"Hmm that was the other surprise I had for you love," Radditzu purred, holding Atomique closely.

 

"Your promotion? Congratulations I guess," Atomique blinked.

 

"She's stunned, I think you've suitably impressed her," Romaine laughed.

 

"Away with you. You've got your own mission to attend, son," Napa laughed, slamming his eldest son on the back. Rising with his own considerable bulk, Romaine bowed.

 

"All the best. I'll see you later, Mother and Father. And it was most pleasing to see your lovely new mate, Radditzu. May she bear many children and fight obediently at your side for years to come," Romaine grinned.

 

"And that's not the only thing, young one. Didn't you tell her that she's been promoted as well." Chablis asked.

 

"Promoted?" she blinked. "What the hell did I do to deserve that?"

 

"You're wearing his armor, as our custom dictates. Don't tell me you forgot to tell her about THAT basic item of Saiyan tradition, boy!" Napa laughed harshly.

 

"It had eluded my mind," Radditzu blushed.

 

"Your… armor…" she stammered, blanching white. All the blood rushed from her extremities, rendering her cold as ice.

 

"You are overwhelmed, brat? Quite an honor, huh?" Napa glanced at her.

 

"I'm… speechless… I don't know what to say," she choked.

 

"Humph I think that's one mating present you can't go wrong with," said Chablis with a wistful sigh.

 

"You still pissed your own mate only gave you jewels and furs?" Sauvignon grinned.

 

"Shut up!" Chablis glared, throwing a piece of half eaten fruit at him. Neatly he dodged it.

 

"Pick that up, slave," Sauvignon glared accusingly at one of their domesticated destroyers.

 

"Love, are you all right?" Radditzu asked.

 

"I… excuse me," she stammered, letting tears fill her eyes.

 

"does it not please you? Surely this shall," he mumbled.

 

"It is… appropriate," she said quietly, feeling the bottom drop out of her soul. "Considering what you expect… of me."

 

"She loves it," said Napa. "Told you so. That fool father of yours…"

 

"Please, I am flattered but do refrain from mentioning him at this table," Radditzu said sternly. "I wish to talk of more pleasant things."

 

"Is it… Saiyan tradition for a female to take her mates armor?" Atomique asked, still in shock.

 

"Indeed. Especially when they have first coupled and sealed their bond," Napa said.

 

"That's why you destroyed my armor when we uh made love,” she stammered while blushing bright red. The room spun around her, and she found herself leaning heavily into Radditzu.

 

"You okay?" asked Sauvignon. “Is that mate of yours all right Sergeant?”

 

“Mind your own business brother,” Chablis sharply cautioned him.

 

"It's too much," she whispered. "Can I please be excused. I need…"

 

"Love?" Radditzu grunted.

 

"I need to talk to you alone, please," she urged.

 

"Excuse us," Radditzu said, gently pushing away form the table. "My mate and I require a few moments alone…"

 

"Young ones," Napa laughed. "Don't forget our briefing's in an hour. Don't let that stop your fun though…"

 

"Father!" Chablis gave him a horrified stare.

 

"Jealous?" Sauvignon needled.

 

"Why are they always so stupid?" mumbled the two youngest to one another. "I hope I'm not that dumb when I have to mate."

 

"If we ever have to mate," his sister said, hanging her chin in the air. Aristocratically she glanced down her nose at her brother with the same superior smirk as Napa often gave his underlings.

***