Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Payment in Full: Saiyan's 2nd Chance ❯ Shape of Things to Come? ( Chapter 14 )

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!

Changing the Shape of Things to Come?

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Atomique quickly increased the gap between her and her mate pursuing her. Pressing her hand to her face she increased her pace, almost tripping on the tall black boots of her adopted armor. Not wanting to cry in front of Napa's family she sought the refuge of some small corner of the house. Fortunately she found a refuge in the form of a large sunroom. Huge seven foot panels of translucent glass or polymer afforded a panoramic view of Alvegasei Prime in all its glory. From ceiling to floor the windows stretched, letting vast squares of light beam in to fall in patterns on the opposite wall. In the burning light of the afternoon suns she moved, pressing the flats of her hands to the glass. Although she couldn't get out, she felt small comfort staring out at the open space just beyond the city. If she glanced directly down she saw the streets sparsely decorated with the shuffling armored figures of Saiyans and the trotting shapes of slaves to and fro. Other specks rocketing to and fro higher up indicated those going out for hunts or other things.

 

"You really should stop carrying on like this. They're starting to wonder," Radditzu said firmly.

 

She wasn't surprised to hear his voice directly behind her. Still she didn't turn around, preferring to hug herself tightly despite the confines of the hard armor. While she wished to rip it off her body and throw it in his face, a small part of her cautioned that it would be foolish to do so. Instead she kept her gaze and attention fixed firmly to the cityscape just beyond the glass.

 

"I'm sorry, it's just a shock," she said sadly.

 

"It is one gift you dare not refuse. Considering it's the best armor you can get this side of the galaxy," Radditzu snorted. He reached out one hand to touch her shoulders. To his delight she did not push him away.

 

"Your own armor?" she asked, glancing up at him. At last she wheeled on him, eyes moist with tears.

 

"Are you going to be displeased at THAT?" he snorted, arms crossing over his chest. This time he turned partly away from her, showing his back. Apparently she wasn't the only one who could hold a conversation without facing her companion.

 

"No, it's just that… you didn't tell me it was," she said, returning her gaze to the cityscape. Both of them stood facing opposite directions. Radditzu faced the squares of light on the far wall, examining a seemingly fascinating pattern of cracks while she forced herself to examine the details of every spire she saw.

 

“You forgot the scouter,” he said, holding something out to her.

 

Atomique sighed, making no move to take it. Shivering, she wiped away her sadness. Just what she was feeling at that moment she couldn't identify. A wall had risen up against light tendrils brushing into her thoughts. It dawned on her that Radditzu was doing anything but forcing his way into her mind. Despite her intense fear that he would know her darkest secrets, he had made no mental move to enter.

 

"You like it then?" he asked quietly, waiting for her rejection. Still he held the scouter towards her.

 

“I don't know what to say really,” Atomique answered, not wanting to give more then a neutral answer he could take in whatever manner he wished.

 

“Or will you throw it back in my face like you did my other gifts offered so freely before?” Radditzu asked.

 

“I won't refuse it. Is this the only thing that I have to wear for duty?” she asked.

 

“Yes,” Radditzu grunted. “I destroyed your other armor as you said at the table. Something many Saiyan males do to their female mates. It symbolizes the passage from old into a new trust.”

 

“Figures. What else do I have to wear? I don't know if I should be pleased or sad… it's just so… weird. I mean Bardock and Lyssra have only two suits of armor to their possession and you have only one that I know of!"

 

"It is all I have to offer you at this time. The most valuable thing that I own, female," he said quietly. Both of them turned their heads slightly to one side in order to catch a glimpse of the other out of the corner of their eyes.

 

"It's all you have, that's weird but it's romantic in a way," she stammered.

 

"You serve me," he said quietly, glancing down at her over one shoulder. His dark mass of hair quivered slightly under his tense shoulders.

 

"And what does that mean? Radditzu, what am I going to be expected to do on this… mission?"

 

Radditzu finally turned around to face her. He held out the scouter to her expectantly, his expression unreadable. Softly he asked, "Then you agree to it willingly?"

 

Atomique extended her hand to accept the scouter. She turned it over in her hands, realizing it was the one that he wore when they first met. Battered, slightly scuffed but still usable. Glancing up at him she said, "I have no choice do I?"

 

"None that are wiser," he answered.

 

"Tell me, am I going to have to do something stupid like pile 100 natives at your feet to prove myself?"

 

Radditzu blanched at her in confusion and astonishment. "No of course not!"

 

"Really?" she asked. "That is what you'd expect Kakkarot to do, to prove himself…"

 

"You already have proved your strength. You killed at least that many destroyers who were after us, with your explosions. Though I didn't count them, there were at least one hundred of them laying in waste…" he said.

 

"Kami," she trailed off.

 

"That is a mere initiation. You as a warrior have done far more and far less in your missions. I saw your mind the last five nights. I've seen things that match my own aggression. And you have as well," he said quietly.

 

“Maybe so, but I…”

 

“Tell me the truth woman. I can tell you're holding back right now. Speak plainly. If you're lying I will know it instantly," Radditzu growled threateningly.

 

“You won't like it,” she panted.

 

Radditzu struggled to calm himself. Raising a hand to her cheek he gently caressed it. "I will not hurt you if that's what you fear."

 

“You were ready to hurt me last night!” she glared at him.

 

“I was angry. And attacking you was a coward's way. I was only trying to intimidate you into telling me why you're so stubborn,” Radditzu said.

 

"You want to know the truth? You probably will think me a weakling, right? I'm not a killer like you and Nappa are. I can't exterminate an entire civilization without cause. Just to justify the existence of you or myself. I can't and I won't do it, Radditzu. No matter what threats anyone holds over me," she choked.

 

"I know you can't," Radditzu said softly with a sigh. “That's the problem.”

 

"I'd say it was! You enjoy killing, don't you? I don't! And I make no apologies for it!" Atomique accused him, poking a finger right into the chest of his gleaming new armor. Like onyx it glistened in the light of the twin suns pouring through the windows just before them.

 

"When it's warranted yes. Don't deny you don't hunt for pleasure!" Radditzu cackled, shaking his head.

 

"But piling bodies like wood… defenseless creatures that can't fight back! Radditzu I wont' do it!" she snapped.

 

"You don't have to, if they give you no resistance. The only reason to kill is if the customers wish the planet cleared. If they are vermin who have no use that's one thing. Those that serve no purpose and those who pose a threat. Those strong enough,” he began. She pushed him away, scrambling to her feet.

 

“Give me a BREAK! So, I just kill a bunch of humans. That makes me some great warrior? It makes me a weak coward," she snarled.

 

"I'm not asking you to do that," said Radditzu. "I'm asking you to help me complete a mission. Is it so hard? You haven't let me TELL you what it is."

 

"Then what is it?" she snorted, staring daggers at him.

 

"To help find my brother for one thing. And to help conquer a planet. That doesn't' automatically mean wholesale slaughter if you can bring the natives to heal. If you don't wish to kill them, you can find whatever way you wish. Just as long as they agree to your terms," Radditzu shook his head.

 

"Napa would kill. So would you,” she shot back.

 

"I only cleared the vermin too weak and miserable to survive. Those I felt who deserved to survive I left to fend for themselves or serve the customers. If they willingly gave up, I let them have a sporting chance. Most would be sensible and surrender. They were the ones who were slaves and servants. They had a chance at life and protection," he said.

 

"Listen to yourself! Just like someone you're implying that I did so to in the past?” she trailed off.

 

"The Ishballans perhaps?" he finished for her. "You humans do the same thing. Don't' deny that's what you'd do if your race conquered other worlds."

 

"We would," she choked. "That's human nature."

 

"Indeed. You humans aren't different that much from Saiyans. Love of your own race is the greatest of all sacred truths. You'd kill any other race so yours would survive. That's the Saiyan way. Subjugation of the weak in favor of those fit to survive,” Radditzu said in a tight voice like the day before. His hands descended on her shoulders, whirling her around to face him again. He brought his face close, his hot breath fanning her face.

 

Atomique stood up to her full height, glaring at him in sheer loathing. He had said he wanted total honesty, so she had nothing to hide from him now. Regardless of whether he would kill her, she knew she had to say her piece given this opportunity. Marshalling the words before she lost her nerve she shouted, "There is a better way! Radditzu, I don't know what you expect of me!”

 

“What BETTER way is there, Answer me woman if you're so stubborn. Damn it, I've tried EVERYTHIGN to get you to see reason! Can't you see that…?” Radditzu yelled eyes flashing with something close to rage.

 

Seeing that outrage, Atomique found her nerve flaring into a flashpoint fury. She grabbed his arms grabbing her shoulders. Tightly she squeezed his wrists, digging her nails into his. Curling lips back she showed her own sizeable fangs. All her muscles quivered with the force of her tirade, “There are SOME things that I can NEVER do, no matter what you say! Maybe I've killed in the past, but damn it you're asking me to do things that I'll never find pleasurable! Why is killing and outright slaughter of the weak a measure of proving your superiority? You can't logically tell me you find any pleasure in subjugating an enemy like some BULLY when you could fight back and prove you're a stronger warrior by fighting a worthy adversary!”

 

At that moment Atomique's hands crackled with powerful ki. Something boiled up inside of her along with the words, refusing to be held back any longer. All the anger and hatred over the past few months swelled and squirmed for release. Hardly realizing it she let it all go in a single burst. Just before her purple radiance flared, pitched with her angry scream.

 

Radditzu's hands released the next moment to her amazement. Horror crossed his features that she could see rapidly shooting away from her body towards the far wall. Plaster cracked at his impact. Atomique glanced down at her hands, and then dropped to her knees. Slowly Radditzu sat up, shaking bits of wall off his dark hair. He actually looked terrified of her at that moment. A wave of sheer fury had slammed into him like a fist through the mental bond they shared. She had no comprehension of the loathing he discerned seeping off her in waves. Pure disgust hit him harder then the worst ki blast. As much as his behavior had affected hers, she in turn had melted what seemed a heart of stone. Even without a scouter he had some inkling of power levels. At that moment hers flared far greater then any level he had expected. Yellow lights bleeped across his scouter, alerting him at the precipitous climb.

 

“It can't be. Her energy is equal to mine,” he panicked.

 

“I… I'm sorry oh shit!” She shuddered in horror, dropping to her knees. Now he was going to kill her, she thought. If he was, she welcomed it. Far better to die then face life as one of those blasted pirates.

 

“You… you realize what you did?” Radditzu stammered, shakily approaching her. He dropped to his knees near her huddled figure. She shuddered with great racking sobs of relief.

 

“What does it matter anymore?” she whimpered. “Go ahead and kill me. You're going to do that aren't you?”

 

Radditzu knelt down, resting his hands on her shoulders. “So, that's the truth is it? You think so little of me and all of this?”

 

"I hate it, and I should hate you," she whispered. Radditzu's eyes widened discernibly, a look of what surprisingly resembled hurt crossing his handsome face. His Adam's apple bobbed once, showing his hard swallow. He licked his lips, sadly shaking his head.

 

“Am I such a monster to you, precious one?” Radditzu asked his expression unguarded. Walls fell in those seconds, exemplified by him reaching up to pull off his own scouter and regard her with both his dark eyes.

 

“I cannot say,” she replied, unable to look him in the eyes. Was he resorting to making her pity him? Would he really sink that low, lying to her? Something told her that he was being as brutally honest with her as she was with him. Stripping each other's soul to the bare bones in an instant that few but his father would see.

 

"I had thought as much," Radditzu answered, glancing away.

 

“But I don't hate you, Radditzu. I hate what you're making me do,” she answered.

 

Voice cracking he said, "Precious one don't you realize I have no choice?"

 

“That's bullshit, Radditzu. We always have a choice,” she spat at him. “How long are you going to let those with greater power tell you what to do?”

 

“I live to serve the Royal House,” he answered.

 

“You're capable of so much more,” she whispered, shaking her head.

 

“You're no weakling,” he mumbled. “I tell you now that you will have the freedom to do as you wish. But you must accomplish the task given, or we'll both suffer a far worse fate."

 

“How generous of you,” Atomique laughed harshly, rolling over to sit up. Radditzu huddled on the floor nearby, hugging his knees in a way that seemed pathetic. Gone was that harsh superior attitude, replaced with something like pity towards her.

 

“It is, whether you realize it or not, woman,” Radditzu said sadly. “You don't know what it's like…”

 

"I can give you an example from my experience. In my universe, you killed your own brother. You, Napa, and the Prince were the only ones of your kind left. You'd deceive and lie and do ANYTHING to get him to do what you wanted," she said, knowing he would tell truth from lies.

 

Radditzu squeezed his eyes shut. She had him there. Why did he feel the need to justify himself to her? She should be glad that he spared her, and now he was showing his weaknesses to a mere woman? Cursing himself and his insanity, he snorted, "That is your world, not mine. You realize your value? You MUST join us, or this world could suffer the same fate. You think I WANT my brother dead if he's alive? If his power on your world is any indication, it is in our best interest to convince him to return with us. And before he's formed irreversible bonds to those weakling humans…"

 

"The so called `weakling humans' are the only genetically compatible species. Id' be VERY careful who I call weak if I were you. The half blooded son of your younger brother was FAR more powerful then you could POSSIBLY imagine," said Atomique.

 

"I know that, but they do not," Radditzu whispered, bringing his lips close to her ear. "That is why I insisted on this mission. Napa and I are the BEST at what we do, and we alone are entrusted with finding the Prince. If we fail, then all is lost."

 

"And what will you do once you find him?" she asked.

 

"Fight Brolli and those that stand against us. But the planets we claim are not for THEM, but for his glory. Raw materials out of which he can forge a new empire,” he said.

 

Groaning, she slapped her forehead. Radditzu blinked at her, astonished at her disgust. She mumbled,

"You're the idiot, Radditzu. What then? Try and wish for immortality?"

 

"Humph, that would not be a bad idea, but what's the point? I don't want to live forever! That's ridiculous!" Radditzu asked.

 

"You'd turn down immortality?" she gasped.

 

"Yes. It's too easy," Radditzu laughed, throwing back his head. It was Atomique's turn to pick her jaw up off the floor. He leaned over towards her, bringing his large body to press close to hers.

 

“It surprises you that much, precious one?” Radditzu chuckled.

 

“I… didn't realize… I mean Napa and Vegeta, and Freiza wouldn't turn down immortality!” she blinked at him.

 

“How foolish do you think I am, woman?” he guffawed, pressing his forehead to hers.

 

“Vegeta would think you were an idiot for that,” she breathed.

 

“Little one, Saiyans live and die. What insanity is it to cheat death when the mission of a true Saiyan warrior is to defy it? We eliminate death, and there is no strength in our living. That is the folly of this idea. When we die we pass on to the halls of our ancestors and fight an even greater war. To defy the will of Father Oorzu is treasonous.”

 

"So if you DID get the idea to wish for immortality it goes against Saiyan tradition?" she asked, reaching up to stroke his cheek in her astonishment. Her respect had gone up for him considerably.

 

"Yes. Why do you think I'm going on that trip? Napa has little use for Saiyan tradition except what suits him. He's a fighter and one of our strongest warriors. His sworn duty is the education of the Prince. Mine is to remind him of the culture that he barely knows. Yours will be to let him know of the mistakes he might make,” Radditzu purred, leaning his face in to kiss the palm of her hand.

 

Atomique pulled her hand away as if she'd stung him. He watched her shift so she sat with her back to him, Indian style. Radditzu watched her shoulders rising and falling, while her fingers clenched and unclenched into small fists at either thigh. Catching her temper she asked, "And what about your brother? What is his role in this?"

 

"To fight at his side and reclaim the destiny denied us," Radditzu said with a low smirk. He loved his woman with such fury. She had become a Saiyan in ways she had hardly imagined possible. There was no mate he would have loved more than the woman before him right now. "And if he's that powerful, just think what hidden abilities may lurk in myself. I could be his equal and more. To think of no longer crawling as a third class worm is far more attractive then petty immortality."

 

"The Prince won't like it. He'd disagree vehemently to your philosophy," Atomique warned him. Out of the corner of one eye she glared at him, showing only a quarter of her face. Amusement spread over Radditzu's countenance seeing the firm set of her jaw and the gleaming anger twinkling in his mate's dark brown eyes. Although he couldn't glimpse his reflection in them now, he saw his own features mirrored in the green lens of her new scouter.

 

"True, but it will give him a reason to train," Radditzu chuckled. "I've known him since he was a whelp. There is very little about him I don't know. And from what Nappa and I saw, we realized he was our salvation. He's achieved the Legendary, as has my brother. There is no distinction in class if that is true. All Saiyans can achieve the Legendary. But that knowledge must be kept from him till the right time."

 

"Maybe in that universe but you can't know," she said. "And if you want me to destroy the world your brother lives on."

 

"No you idiot. Only clear it of those that oppose us. You must study it, and convince my brother if he's there to join us. That's ALL you need do. But you must also destroy any forces that would oppose Saiyan control of that world for our own use. And if there are far too many weaklings draining its resources you must thin out the surplus population."

 

"I won't kill for the hell of it," she said. "I won't slaughter innocents."

 

"They will die anyway if Freiza's brother and sister find us. You'd be saving them from a far worse fate," he said quietly. "Do as you will, but your mission will be clear. And you'll have a whole year in which to accomplish it. If in six months I don't hear from you, I'll come myself. And if in that time he hasn't been convinced, then you should reevaluate your squeamishness."

 

"I won't slaughter," she said.

 

"The humans won't die by my hand without provocation. Their lives are yours to do with as you please. But if they screw up our plan, then both of us will die," said Radditzu quietly. "I died on your world at my brother's hand, and that of that green man. You will share the same fate if you fail."

 

"Then why aren't YOU going?" she asked. He grabbed the scouter from her hand, and fitted it over her ear to her surprise.

 

Affectionately he nipped her nose, then chuckled, "Idiot, you know what went wrong. It's your chance to pave the way, so that I might join you and both will succeed where one alone failed. If you convince Kakkarot to join us, and leave his world forever, then you may spare that world. But if he refuses, you must do whatever it takes to convince him otherwise before I come and get you both. The choice how to do so is yours. But you will not have any hope of severing the bond that ties us. Don't think for a moment that I can't find you.”

 

"I'll do your damn mission if it means that much to you," she blurted out.

 

"Good. I knew you'd be reasonable," Radditzu said, reaching out to draw her into his arms. "Now let's stop this and finish our meal. And then you'll meet the other members of the team."

 

"Shit," she whispered, feeling as if she'd sold her soul to the devil.

 

“Nothing can change the shape of things to come they say. My father's visions see a time when we are all free. I hate to think he is completely wrong in this, as much of a fool as I think him,” Radditzu purred, pulling her into his lap.

 

“Maybe there can be a change. A better way. I won't give up trying to convince you otherwise,” she said.

 

“I wouldn't have it any other way, precious one,” he purred, leaning in for a kiss. “Like it or not we're stuck with one another for eternity. If that means that I put up with your foolishness you must do so with mine.”

 

Radditzu held her close to him on the floor. She buried her face in his fall of black hair, clinging tightly to her mate that she could never leave. Inextricably there was no escape. Would she rule in hell rather than serve in heaven, she wondered? IT seemed that she had a better chance by simply accepting her fate and then trying to change it when she was alone to think.

 

“Curse it I love him,” she sobbed.

 

“I know,” he whispered. “And the feeling is returned. I will never let you go, and I won't let any harm you. And I will never take your life by my hand. This I swear.”

 

 

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