Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Saiyan Foster Father ❯ Goku's foster kids ( Chapter 6 )

Chapter 4  

Inside the playroom, Trunks and Goten were engaged in a game with the twins. Like always the blocks floated on their own accord, while Trunks tried to zap them with ki out of the twin's mental grasp. Goten leapt up and began to snatch each block out of the air. Suddenly, Fermi and Bohr stopped their playing. Both dropped the blocks they were using to build the tower along with Goten. Standing up, the twin boys looked at one another, then at Gohan standing by the door. They said nothing as they walked forwards.

"Guys?" Trunks asked. "What's up?"

"Don't you feel it? My Dad's here," said Goten.

Fermi look at Bohr, both sets of dark brown eyes sparkling with violet ki. "Mommy," they mouthed.

"Wait here, guys," said Gohan. He opened the door to see the three women rush through, one of them the stranger his father had taken in.

"Fermi… Bohr? Is that you?" she gasped, dropping to her knee. Both boys wandered up, glancing at her with dark eyes. She reached out her arms, feeling sadness and joy as they moved quickly forwards.

"Mommy?" they both said at once.

"That's right… you know me?"

"Mommy!" they said in unison, gliding into her waiting arms. Their small hands pulled at her hair, squeezing her neck in a combined hug.

"I'm so sorry… I couldn't…"

"Mamma don't cry," the one called Fermi whispered.

"We're okay… we knew you'd come…" answered Bohr.

"We always knew," Fermi added.

"Daddy said so," said Bohr.

"But your father…" she stammered, wiping away her tears.

"Is dead and not dead… we know mommy…"

"And it's okay… he said to take care of you," Bohr insisted.

"How old are you… four… oh god… oh god," she sobbed, as they held her close. Both four-year-olds kissed her neck, hugging her tightly.

"We love you mommy, please don't' cry," they whispered. "We're not angry. Please don't cry…"

***

From a two-way window in the side of the nursery, Prince Bejita watched the reunion with an air of disdain. Next to him, Buruma stood with a smile plastered on her face, hands folded along the side of her face with joy.

"How saccharinely sentimental," Bejita mumbled to Buruma.

"Shut up," she snorted. "I don't know what you were trying to pull insulting their mother like that… but you'd better have a DAMN good explanation…"

"I'm not unaffected. I'm glad those brats are with their proper mother. They were a pain in the ass," Bejita snorted.

"I swear you're going to see the couch for a YEAR!" Buruma snorted.

"Woman, don't piss me off. You know I'm right. That woman has no cause to feel sorry for herself when I sense the ki off her. She's perfectly capable of defending herself," Bejita snorted in distaste.

"What are you talking about? She's been through a rough time."

"Boo hoo, so have her two friends, and they aren't wallowing in misery. That woman may have lost her mate, but she's all too eager to dwell on it and make herself some sort of martyr that's suffered far more than the two she calls friends… what makes HER special, ne? Why should I treat her like she's worth my respect when she's not…"

"Bejita… what crawled up your ass?"

"If she'd desired her children so much, why did she let them become captured in the first place…"

"You son of a bitch… how dare you!"

"She's proved she has the guts to face me in a verbal battle, me who's taken her brats in. But if she's going to prove herself worthy of taking over their care, she needs to show that she won't be so easily intimidated by every bump in the road. Taking soul responsibility for those Destroyers. Give me a BREAK! They would have attacked regardless of whether she came here or not!" Bejita grunted.

"Okay, I'm seeing it from your twisted perspective, but what gives US the right to judge her?"

"Because we're caring for her brats. As Kakkarot has been. And I've heard much from the one known as Dragon Womyn. She's not unlike you, woman… smart and intelligent but incapable of caring for herself without a mate to look after her. And not having the sense to keep her mouth shut when the male should take responsibility in matters she has no business attempting," Bejita snapped.

"Dig yourself deeper, dork," she glared.

"What business does she have thinking she has a prayer learning to fight? Unless she's willing to properly train. And if not her, that idiot Kakkarot seems all too eager to…"

"WHAT?" Buruma asked.

"Look at him," Bejita snorted, pointing to where Goku moved alongside her. He scooped up Goten, hugging him tightly as Gohan looked on.

"What are you saying?" she demanded.

"It should be obvious. His mate dumped him, and he's already protective of that female and her brood. It's Saiyan instinct to seek another mate to replace the one who's been killed or rejected…"

"I can't believe you're saying this, Bejita…" she snorted, whirling on her heel, turning her back to him.

Bejita snorted, nodding in Goku's direction, "Kakkarot's brat told me the woeful tale. That loud mouthed harpy found someone else more suited to her shrewish ways while Kakkarot was in the great beyond, and left him with both his brats…"

"Even so, she's human like me. And Goku's just trying to help her and her sons feel better… he's dealing with her absence in the only way he knows how…" Buruma shook her head. "By focusing on helping other people like he always done."

"He's not sobbing like a sentimental fool, strangely enough. He's acting more Saiyan than I've ever seen him in the last ten years…" Bejita said quickly. "If you ask me, that harpy's absence is the best thing for him. Maybe he'll stop acting like a clown and a freak… and start kicking ass…"

"I don't get what you're doing with all this, Bejita…" she sighed.

"That weakling needs a mate to look after her, is what I'm saying. Her mate's dead. And she has two brats with exceptional potential. Kakkarot is in need of something weaker to protect. Like a fool she's rejecting his offer of protection and insulting his honor as a warrior. It would do her better to accept and let him do what he does best… and leave the fighting to one better suited… as he should leave thinking to one better suited…"

***

In the living room sat Goku, burying his head in his hands. He had slipped out, not wishing to disrupt the reunion of the Alchemist and her two friends. Wrestling with raw emotions he struggled to grip his self-control when Buruma found him sitting there on the sofa. He hunched over, rubbing his face while she strode over towards him.

"Son-kun… what are you doing out HERE?"

"Buruma… I…" Goku said quickly. Tears formed in his eyes when he leapt up from the couch.

"Goku… I'm so sorry, Bejita didn't mean to… I mean I know it wasn't your fault she left you…" she said. Sniffling he wiped away the tears that dropped down his face. She held out her arms to him, as if he were a child.

"I thought I'd gotten over it, because it's been a few months now... but still..." he mumbled. He buried his face in Buruma's shoulder. Slowly she rocked the young man who was a brother and best friend to her since they were both young. Finally he allowed his emotions to burst out freely in the presence of one he knew wouldn't judge or treat him like a fool.

"I can't bring her back," Goku whispered. "No matter what I did; it wasn't good enough for her, was it?"

"Son-kun… that's not true… and you know it! You were doing what you could! Nobody doubts that… and who cares what Bejita says!" she snapped.

"It wasn't her fault. It was mine," Goku whispered, sobbing into Buruma's blue hair.

"You'll carry on. You said Chichi taught you to cook and houseclean before she left… well I set up a little fund to take care of the house and kids if this happened. I took your remaining assets and set up a trust fund…"

"So no money problems?" Goku asked.

"Not if you don't handle the finances. Leave that to Gohan. If he wants a job he can come work for Capsule… when he's graduated college. And Goten can come and stay with Trunks when he needs to…"

"But the woman…" Goku said helplessly. He backed away from Buruma, flopping down on the nearby sofa.

Next to him, Buruma gracefully lowered herself to sit. She slid his hand overtop of his to pat it gently, saying, "Her friends will care for her… and her sons. Now that they're reunited…"

"The boys need a father," Goku mumbled.

"What?" Buruma asked, not quite making out what he said.

"They need someone to train them, take care of them, protect them," said Goku, blushing at his mistake. "With their powers… and those creatures after them… and her husband is dead…"

"Goku, you want to take care of them? How sweet… but are you sure?" Buruma asked. "You don't have a lot of room in that house of yours!"

"Well, it makes sense to me… I mean I could train them how to fight… and she could stay in my grandpa's house… with them… and she'd be only a few miles from me and the boys…" said Goku quickly.

"She feels guilty about this, Goku. I don't know if that would be wise… she should stay with her friends…"

"Her boys need a protector," said Goku quietly. "And she needs someone to keep her happy. Cheer her up. I was with her husband before… well before…"

"That's incredible sweet… but she won't just do it because you think it's a good idea… I mean she hardly knows you… and… don't you think it's sort of… well… maybe she might think that you'd want her…" Buruma clicked her tongue at him. Goku's black eyes widened with horror, and he blushed profusely at Buruma's knowing glance.

"I don't want her THAT Way!" Goku protested. "Jeez Buruma, you've got a SICK mind!"

"Well, I keep forgetting you're Mr. Pure of heart," Buruma chuckled. "I'm just teasing you, Goku. I'm sorry… I just want you to know that you're gonna be lonely now that Chichi's gone, and I don't want you hurting yourself by thinking this woman is a replacement for…"

"I don't," Goku said angrily, making fists and pressing them down on the tops of his muscular thighs. "It's the honorable thing to do. Her husband asked me to…"

"What?" Buruma asked, widening her azure eyes in surprise. "Care to explain?"

Not able to meet her blue gaze with his dark black one, Son Goku quickly explained, "I met him in Other world, during one of the big tournaments the Kais held. There was no way he could go back, so her husband asked me to take care of his sons and wife, if anything happened to him…"

"Take care of her?" Buruma coughed, blinking at him in confusion. Her nose scrunched in that way that told Goku she wasn't buying any of this.

Son Goku groaned, shaking his head as he continued, "I'm tellin' the truth here! He'd seen that they were being chased by those Destroyers from dimension to dimension… and that they needed a home. And since her own world is ruined… she could stay here, and raise her boys in peace till they were old enough to protect her…"

"If it were anyone else, Goku, I'd say they were nuts. But since you're who you are, I think I'll do whatever I can to make sure your house gets rebuilt… and that she has everything she needs…" Buruma shook her head in confusion.

"She's just seen them after two years," said Goku, scratching the back of his neck. "And she's a bit nervous around four year old boys… if she needs help… and Gohan and Goten…"

"Gohan's almost engaged to Videl. He can't baby-sit…" Buruma sighed exasperated. She folded her hands on her lap, leaning forwards in her seat. She angled herself to face Goku.

"That's why if she stayed at my home, I could help her baby-sit," Goku said brightly. "Chichi always said I was good with kids… especially boys. And if their powers are strong, I can withstand anything they'd throw at me…"

"Only if she agrees… and I don't know if she will, given her current state of mind," Buruma sighed. "But I'll give you a Capsule house while we're fabricating one for you… that she can stay in, and you and the guys can live in your grandpa's old place..."

"Yeah of course!" Goku nodded. "And we can all eat together… like a family… or sort of… face it. She only has her friends. Her husband is dead… and her family… who knows…"

"Then you should ask her, before jumping to conclusions, Son-kun. Don't take advantage of her… she's lonely and confused enough…" Buruma warned him.

"I won't," Goku said quickly. "I'm not like that… you know as well as anyone else…"

Buruma let out a resigned sigh, and smiled. She reached over to pat his shoulder, in much the manner of a small child. For the first time, Son Goku realized how annoying it was. Lately he noticed more and more how people often tried to talk down to him, like he was stupid. Normally he didn't mind, but lately he was getting really sick of it.

With a patronizing smile Buruma said, "Of course. You're pretty much interested in fighting and eating. I don't think you'd even… well… I guess it's my dirty mind. Remember I couldn't ride Nimbus…"

"Yeah, so?" Son Goku blinked, although he knew the implication of bringing that fact up.

Buruma patted her lap with the flats of both hands, indicating the discussion was over. She said,

"Anyhow, let's get you a capsule house and some food… and as soon as you're ready to go back, we can install it…"

"Thanks Buruma-san," he smiled at last, inclining his head. He rose from the sofa, and tugged down on the front of his sleeveless top, before waiting for her to get up and exit the room.

***

Elsewhere within Capsule corps main building, the three friends exchanged notes about the last few years. They came to the conclusion that they were possibly trapped here for far longer than they realized. Through the stories of her two friends, she came to learn that for the past six months before they arrived, two of their worst enemies had their hands on the boys. The Bandit and the Princess manage to rear the children, with difficulty. The Bandit manages to temporarily confuse the children into thinking that he is their father. As their powers grew in strength, their mental abilities pierced through the veil. Vanessa tries to cast a spell to inhibit the children's powers. At age four they managed to escape once. Earth's Special Forces had find Vanessa chasing the two children.

"It was Yamucha and Krillen that managed to fight her off and determine the children aren't hers," Black Widow, aka Christine related. "They took them to Krillen's place at Kame House… for temporary care."

"We hardly knew… later when we ran across them… we found out that some guy… named Dende to figured out whose children they were. When they finally they discovered that Bejita was training two similarly powered beings…." Jeannie aka Dragon Womyn added, sipping hot coffee that rested on the table before her. She shifted her position on the sofa, next to Black Widow.

"Imagine how amazed we were to find that these children are alive…" Black widow said. "But even though we offered to care for them, the Z fighters decided it was better if 'foster' parents cared for your kids… till you showed up…"

"So… that's why Goku knew them… he foster cared for them," Tryni shook her head.

"Originally the Son family took Fermi in, while the Briefs took Bohr," Dragon Womyn nodded.

"I owe them a lot, but damn… if I'd known," Tryni trailed off. "But they must have realized both twins would be better off together…"

"That's why they finally placed together under our care… considering my own son…" Dragon Womyn trailed off, squeezing her eyes shut. "But now that you're back… you're gonna take over right?"

"Is there any doubt?" Atomique demanded, leveling her dark eyed gaze on the draconian-featured female.

"What are your plans?" asked Black Widow. "I mean now that you're here… you'll be looking for a job and a home..."

"What plans?" asked Atomique softly.

"I mean… since Paul… and well," asked Dragon Womyn. "He's dead… and this world isn't too bad…."

"I don't know. Trying to return to our world isn't the best idea… not with two children…" said Atomique quietly. "They've been hopelessly traumatized already…"

"Maybe we should stay here till we know more," said Black Widow. "This world has much to offer. And besides, we're far stronger…"

"Have you any word from the others?" asked Dragon Womyn, chugging down the rest of her coffee. Atomique sipped a huge swig of hers, swirling the milk in the mug.

"Nothing. The dreams I had from Elliot have ceased. As far as I know… if any of them want to look for us, they'll find us if we stay put. I can't help but think that we need to remain where we are…" said Atomique pragmatically.

"One day we will go back and take our world again. But not now. We aren't strong enough to face Blackwell yet. But every day of training we're one step closer…"

"How could we get back… unless we stole those teleport belts… from Leader…?" said Dragon Womyn.

"This world is rife with them. But the Special Forces can hold them at bay… and sooner or later they may give up…" said Black Widow. "And anyway, what have Gene and the others done to try and help us? Either they can't or won't help…"

"Paul is dead… and Gene…," said Dragon Womyn quickly. "Let's just say that I have had infrequent contacts, and they've all basically said we're to lay low…"

"How has he contacted you?" Atomique demanded.

"Through dreams. Though lately they've grown more infrequent. And Elliot's mind has been closed to me. I don't know if he's dead or alive. It's like there's a gray curtain cutting him off…"

"I barely hear him, even if I scream in my mind," Atomique whispered. "He's off looking across space and time spiritually for your son…"

"I know. And we're stuck here…"

"We should stay, I say," Black Widow said. "When they're ready, they'll come to us. We've done enough running. It's time to keep training, and then when we're ready, we can attack leader and get a transport device…"

"Then what? With everyone scattered across space-time…" asked Dragon Womyn. "Dad can't help us. Ace's scrambling spell was to protect the children and us till we learned the skills to fight Blackwell and his minions. Only when Mona and Ace learn to use their powers can we hope to be reunited. I've played enough games with fate…"

"Yes. I want to become as strong as our mentor does. Then we'll destroy the Destroyers…" Black Widow nodded. "And you'd be wise to stay here, and raise the kids in safety… you've been through enough…"

"Their powers aren't something that…" Atomique protested.

"Son Goku and his friends are strong warriors. If anyone can insure your safety it's him or her. Paul would want you to stay," said Dragon Womyn.

"And who are you to say what Paul would want?" Atomique demanded.

"She was just…" Black Widow started to say.

"Stay where it's safe. Like he always told you," Dragon Womyn interrupted.

"As you say," Atomique nodded quietly, giving Dragon Womyn an odd look. Black Widow moved after her, blinking in surprise.

"What was THAT about?" she asked.

"Nothing," Atomique muttered.

"I'm going to train," said Dragon Womyn pointedly. "And I'd suggest you get back to your sons…"

"That's what I mean to do," said Atomique. She inclined her head, still meeting her gaze to the other warrior, but taking a defensive stance as if she anticipated an attack. Angrily the two women faced one another, their eyes sparkling with wild random chikara.

"Hey guys, chill!" Black Widow urged, pushing between them.

"There you are… my dad's been looking for you," said Gohan as he walked up to them. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Nothing important," said Dragon Womyn. "Excuse me. My condolences… later girls…"

"What did you want, Son Gohan?" Atomique asked.

"My dad has something to ask you… something important… but if this isn't a good time…"

"Maybe you'd better go while I talk to Jeannie," said Black Widow. "We can talk later…"

"It's nothing… I tell you…" Atomique said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

"Pretty big nothing when you two look about ready to kill each other…" Black Widow snorted, resting her hands on her hips. Hazel eyes narrowed, indicating she had seen far more then her friend wished. Sensing the tension hovering around the room, Gohan wondered if he had picked a bad time.

"I can come back later…" Gohan stammered.

"I don't know what it is," said Atomique softly. "But she's changed. And she's scaring me…"

"You're not the only one. Look, I'll try and pick her brain. You'd better go see what Son-kun wants…" said Black Widow. "Call me if you need to…"

Hugging her friend, Black Widow then shook Gohan's hand before leaving. Atomique swallowed hard, glancing at Gohan, who hung his head in embarrassment. "Sorry…"

"Don't be…" said Atomique softly.

***

She followed him out to the living room, where Goku was slowly swinging one of the twins, Fermi on his shoulder. Next to him, Goten was wrestling with the other, named Bohr.

"Careful… will you!" Gohan cried as he walked over. Videl moved to intercept him.

"It's okay… I think he's holding back," she reassured him. "Are you both okay?"

"As we'll ever be," Gohan mumbled. "Hey dad!"

"There you are… someone save me from this guy… he's getting strong!" Goku laughed as he swung Fermi around. The boy laughed and squealed as Goku tossed him through the air, and he landed square in Gohan's outstretched arms. Atomique flinched, till she realized for a split second that the boy had hovered in mid air.

"He can fly Daddy! Just like Gohan and me!" Goten crowed. "Show 'em Bohr!"

"What the?" she gasped, seeing one of her sons slowly levitating next to Goten.

"All right, that's enough… for one day!" Videl clapped her hands. She caught the levitating boy as Gohan plucked Goten out of the air. Immediately she handed Bohr to Atomique, who set the boy on her hip shakily.

"How…" she blinked.

"You stinker… you aren't supposed to show them that!" Gohan protested. "They're too young to train!"

"Aww they're NEVER too young!" Goku interrupted, striding up. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you… they just sort of did it…"

"Incredible," she shook her head. "Were you FLYING, Bohr?"

Fermi leapt out of Gohan's arms, when Goten did, and flew past Atomique, squealing and laughing. "Mommy look we can fly! Look!"

"So can I!" Bohr pouted.

"Hey, easy there!" Son Goku urged, grabbing Fermi from taking off. He set the boy on his shoulders with one hand, while helping to hold him in place. Clutching a pouting Bohr, Atomique shook her head at him. Fermi tugged a handful of Son Goku's stiff hair, laughing.

"Dad, you're nuts," Gohan shook his head.

"What was the big question you were asking?" she turned to him. Videl held out her arms and grabbed Goten who was pulling at her leg. Gohan grabbed his brother, swinging him on his back as Goku walked over with the other twin.

"You'll need a place to stay. I was wondering if you'd consider staying at my grandpa's place… I mean till you find somewhere else… I mean the boys already know…" said Goku quickly.

"You want me to stay at your place? Any reason why?"

"Well, if you think it's silly… and well… those guys are still trying to chase you…" Son Goku said. "If you really don't wanna…"

"Please Mommy, can we live with the nice man?" asked Bohr.

"I like him, he's funny!" Fermi squealed.

"Can they stay, daddy? They don't beat me up like Trunks does!" Goten pleaded.

"Aww jeez," Atomique groaned.

"I guess they're already sold," said Videl, blinking at Gohan.

"So, you're welcome if you want…" Gohan said, glancing at her. "If you REALLY want…"

"Fine, we'll try it. But only temporarily," Atomique relented. "And no funny stuff. You two boys can't make Mr. Goku and Mr. Gohan do anything that your dad or I wouldn't allow!"

"All right!" they chorused.

"What did I just agree to?" she mumbled to Videl.

"Trust me, it's gonna be okay… if anyone can deal with unruly kids, it's his dad… especially since he's one himself," joked Videl, reassuring her.

***