Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Saiyan Foster Father ❯ Radditzu visits Kakkarot ( Chapter 19 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter 9

By the time Radditzu reached Mt. Paozu it was almost dark. He hovered briefly over the home that he'd visited a number of times already, yet still was amazed that he had even dwelled there for any length of time. The shack to the left was hopelessly primitive, and the Capsule dome was barely large enough to contain all the life forms he saw there.

Snorting, he turned off his scouter and dropped to a landing. He marched up to the front door, and raised his fist to knock. Immediately the door flew open, and Gohan stood there, glaring at him. "What do you want here?"

"Nephew, I wish to see Kakkarot… please…” said Radditzu, inclining his head and holding out one hand in the traditional Saiyan salute.

"You have a lot of nerve coming here!" Gohan snapped.

"Gohan, relax… is that you Radditzu?" asked Son Goku's voice as he quickly moved over and tugged at his son's shoulder.

"Dad… wait a minute…" Gohan protested, moving to block his dad’s way.

"Gohan, go back and see if Videl needs any help with the kids. Atomique is just starting dinner… and she needs Goten's help with Trunks…" said Goku.

"But…"

"No buts. Radditzu's family and he's welcome in this house… got it?"

"I don't…"

"No arguments, Gohan… I mean it!" Goku said firmly. Grumbling, Gohan marched off and vanished, leaving Radditzu standing in the doorway with crossed arms.

"Is he… angry with me?" asked Radditzu.

"Let's just say that in this reality, you and he didn't get along very well.." said Son Goku.

"It was not my intention to come as a threat. I merely wished to continue to see what makes this world so attractive to you and the Saiyan no Ouji," said Radditzu.

"You want to come in? Dinner's just about ready…"

"Will it upset your son if I do so?" asked Radditzu.

"No, he'll behave," said Goku. "Come in… and make yourself at home. My house is your house…"

“Thank you, Brother,” Radditzu grunted and moved past Son Goku to enter the Capsule house. A modern sofa and chairs sat opposite one another, while carpet stretched under the Saiyan's boots. Two boys played with one another, their dark curly hair and dark eyes making them look for a moment like Saiya-jin children.

"Sit down and relax… I'll get you something to drink," said Son Goku.

"Here?" asked Radditzu, glancing at the two boys who looked up at him in wonder. Goku nodded, and he walked over to lower himself onto the sofa with a grunt. The furniture seemed flimsy, but held well under his weight. It was easy to forget he was not on a world with heavier gravity. If he was not careful he might break something.

"Hello?" asked one of the boys, glancing up at him. "Who are you?"

"Greetings," Radditzu said, glancing down at the two boys walking over towards him. They had turned their attention from the flickering box called a TV that the humans were mesmerized by.

"Are you Mr. Funny man's brother?" asked the first. "You look like him sorta…"

"I'm his brother, Radditzu," said the warrior, putting his hands on his lap. "Are you the woman's children?"

"Our mommy's in there cooking dinner with Goten-kun. Are you a fighter?"

"I am. I serve Prince Bejita, of planet Vegetasei…" said Radditzu, unsure of how to conduct himself around children so naïve. Their dark eyes fixed on him. One of them crawled up and sat next to him, while the other tugged at his armor.

"Cool, are you from outer space? You have a tail!" gasped the other.

"I would not touch that if I were you. Saiyan tails are very dangerous to touch without provocation…"

"Do you turn into an ape if you see the moon?" asked the first.

"Yes, of course," Radditzu said, blinking in surprise.

"Wow, do you smash things?"

"I err… only do so under the orders of my prince," he said, coughing and glancing around for someone to rescue him from these two children who were unnervingly trusting of him.

"A guest, you said nothing about a…" Atomique asked as she strode out with a can of soda. At sight of him, she stopped.

"Mommy, there's a cool space monkey here to visit, just like in Son Goku-san's story!" one of them said walking up to her.

"It's you… what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm hurt, woman. I thought you'd be pleased to see me," he gave her a devilish smile.

"Do you know him mommy?" asked Bohr, while Fermi continued to stare at Radditzu sitting there.

"Fermi, don’t climb on him! You don't know him…Yes… I do. I suppose you're staying for dinner? And that you're the surprise guest Goku was going on about?" she asked, moving over and picking up her son, and putting him down.

"I will not hurt your children, female," said Radditzu with a snort as she rushed over to stop Fermi from crawling into his lap.

"I'm sorry, I just didn’t' expect you here…" she said as she watched Radditzu pick the boy up and set him on his knee. As the boy reach for the furry tail coiled around his waist, Radditzu surprised him by uncurling it and letting it flicker slowly back and forth.

"Amazing… it is like the one in the story… look," said Fermi, trying to catch it.

"Don't touch his tail, all right… that's rude…" said Atomique, embarrassed. "Whatever you do, don't pull it or squeeze it!"

"You do know something about Saiyans after all, I’m touched," Radditzu teased as he accepted the glass of wine she handed him.

"Well, Son Goku gave me the lecture," she said, sitting down on the sofa next to him. Bohr curled up in her lap, and stared at his twin that Radditzu was awkwardly toddling on his knee.

"Ah, I see you've met the twins face to face," said Goku, walking in with a tray piled with chips and other enormous portions of snacks. He set them down on the coffee table by his brother, who snaked out his hand and grabbed a whole handful of cheese puffs to shove into his mouth. The dust fell on his black armor, and he licked his fingers clean.

"They're quite… fine children. Of course I'm not used to seeing any of this age… because…"

"She knows all about that too," Son Goku said, sitting in the armchair to their left. Slipping off Radditzu's lap, Fermi walked over and climbed up into his brother's. At mention of Radditzu's questioning gaze she blushed slightly.

"I'm sorry I was so rude before. I am thankful you saved my life. I was acting foolishly…"

"Think nothing of it, female," said Radditzu with a charming smile. It was surprising to see it on his wild face. Flickering light from the TV moved across his green visor.

"You can take that off in here… nobody's going to attack you," Son Goku teased. Radditzu reached up and pulled off his scouter, and handed it to a very curious Bohr.

"May I see?"

"Be careful with it, child. It's not a toy…" Radditzu said, picking it up and slipping it over Bohr's face. He showed the boy the buttons on the side to press, and the child squealed with delight as he saw the images of ki flickering over it.

"Why is Gohan-kun afraid of you, Mr. Monkey man?" asked Fermi.

"His name is Radditzu, and he's my older brother," Son Goku corrected him.

"Can I call you Uncle then? Like Uncle Yamucha and Krillen?" asked Fermi.

"Ahem… perhaps you should tell me how I encountered you in this… dimension…" Radditzu said, awkwardly shifting in his chair at the open display of affection.

"It's not a pretty story…" son Goku said. "But Gohan was captured when he was barely older then these kids here. And unfortunately a lot of people got hurt… and the person… who looked like you… ended up being the one responsible…"

"I apologize, Brother," said Radditzu quietly. "Perhaps I should not be here… to create enmity between you and your son…"

"The fact you're here now, having a normal conversation with me proves that you're okay," said Son Goku. "You're not the same person that… did those things. Sure you've done other things… that weren't so nice. But you are… my brother…"

Radditzu noticed with interest how Son Goku's chin tightened when he said this. That moisture gleaming in his eyes was odd, and he wondered if it was what the humans called tears. Uncomfortably he shifted in his seat, unsure if he wanted to know just what atrocities had been committed by his counterpart here.

"So, I'm dead in this world," said Radditzu.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. But hey, that's in the past. I want you to feel like you're always welcome here. You're part of the Son family… and there's plenty to eat… I made some of my favorites. Do you like egg rolls?"

"Egg rolls? Like those things Nappa devours by the dozen?" asked Radditzu.

"Um, I guess… c'mon and let's get you set up… the dining room's this way," he said, motioning to get up. Radditz rose, and walked after him, then stopped to let the woman and her children go before him. She blinked, surprised at his manners.

"I'm not the barbarian you think I am," he whispered as his shoulder brushed hers.

"Now wait a moment!" she blurted out.

"Why don't you show him where the guestroom is…" said Goku. "I think there's some clothes in there that might fit him. You don't mind changing into something else… that armor's not necessary here…"

"As you wish, brother," said Radditzu. Sighing, she grabbed his hand and tugged him after her while the twins moved off into the den where Goten and Trunks played video games.
***

Around the small table the family gathered. Son Goku was at the head, while Radditz sat to his left. Next to him settled Atomique, while Videl sat across from him, and Goten and Trunks were on her other side opposite Atomique. Son Gohan flitted about, fixing food and placing it on the table. Radditzu had taken off the top part of his armor, and had put on one of Son Goku's T shirts to appear less threatening. Both twins were helping to pile stacks of food before the brothers.

"Sit down, I can get that," said Videl.

"I'm fine," Gohan said.

"Sit down, Gohan," said Goku, glaring at him. Sighing, Gohan flopped into his chair. Videl got up, and motioned for Goten to help her serve her fiancée some food. Atomique felt the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife, and a very dull one at that. For the remainder of dinner she listened to Goku telling Radditz all about the history of the mountain and his childhood. With interest his brother listened intently, while the others ate in silence. Trunks and Goten thankfully talked about all manner of things that kids their age loved. Videl did her best to keep Gohan from blurting something inappropriate out.

Finally the dishes were collected, and Atomique got up to help wash. Radditzu suddenly got up as well, and glanced at the people around the table. "I'll assist you," he said to everyone's amazement. Gohan sighed again, and let Videl walk him out into the living room again, each of them carrying a twin. Goten and Trunks rushed out in a flurry to resume their video game where it last left off, leaving Goku alone with his brother and house guest.

"I'll wash, you dry," said Atomique. She threw a towel to Radditzu, and lined up next to Goku by the wash basin.

Dishes floated and bobbed under his hands. Radditzu messed with the dishes she handed him, finally using his tail at one point to maneuver the drying cloth as he called it into position. He glanced over at Goku and said, "Your son doesn't trust me…"

"Oh, give him a chance to warm up to you! He isn't on the verge of flipping out anymore… not like the first few times you visited…"

"He's sticking around, and letting Videl stay," said Atomique. "Give them time, they'll come around. You're an acquired taste. If anyone gets along with the prince… no offense… they can get along with ANY Saiya-jin…"

"The meal was adequate, Brother. You have two fine sons, and your house is small but comfortable…"

"Thanks to Buruma. I actually grew up in the house across…" said Goku. "Are you going to stay the night?"

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble…"

"You could sleep in the guest bedroom… or in the guesthouse… there's a sofa and a couch… or I could bunk there," said Goku.

"I don't wish to inconvenience you," said Radditzu. "I shall sleep in the hut if you wish. It isn't any worse than any of the encampments at training on Bejitasei…"

"I'll help you get settled," said Atomique. "Where will Gohan and Videl be staying?"

"Well, you and she can have the master bedroom tonight. I'll just crash on the sofa here. Trunks and Goten will be with the boys in the big room."

"Unless the lovely lady wishes to grace me with her company," Radditzu whispered as she walked past.

"Dream on," she groaned, rolling her eyes. Yet she felt a small thrill at the thought of such an obvious flirtation. They quickly finished the dishes and Radditzu followed her to collect his armor.
***
Together they crossed the yard to the small house. She unlocked the front door with a small key, and opened the creaky wooden doors. Radditzu ran a hand over the markings on the diamond logo, asking, "What is this writing say?"

"That's Chinese character for 'Son'," she said, showing him in. "It's actually quite cozy. And there's a real authentic bathhouse in the rear…"

"Interesting," Radditzu said. He dumped his armor on the table, then walked into the two small rooms in the back. There were two bedrooms, and he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"You need not stay with them in the main house. I will not disturb you if you wish to remain here…" he said.

"My boys might need me…" she said quickly.

"I wish to speak with you woman, if you'll allow me to share your company," he said, catching hold of her hand.

"Radditzu, I'm really tired… if you don't mind…"

"Then sleep there. I'll make no noise. The house is crowded. Why do you sleep there when here is perfectly suitable. Unless you prefer the luxuries of that more modern dwelling…"

"You don't get it do you? I like being surrounded with people. Maybe on your planet they like to fight and kick each other…"

"You don't know my culture, woman," said Radditzu sharply. "Don't presume to know me before you’ve had the chance to…"

He stopped at the angered look in her dark eyes. Then he zipped out to appear before her, stopping her from rushing out the door. "Forgive me, I spoke in haste…"

"What do you want, Radditzu?"

"Simply to apologize for my ill manners. I'm not accustomed to being around people as you said. This… takes getting used to. Stay… and I'll watch over you should you require anything…"

"Why are you being so nice?" she asked with a small smile.

"Because you are a guest of my brother. And why should I not be polite? Or did you expect me to be a bloodthirsty pain in the ass like Nappa?" he asked quietly.

"Actually I expected you to be more like the Prince," she whispered. Radditzu widened his eyes, not sure of what she meant, but she was wise not to qualify it further because he sensed that she meant it as an insult.

"I shall not bother you further," he said quietly. "But should you need anything I'll be in the other room…"

"Okay… I'm going to turn in," she said, reaching her hand out to his.

"What custom is this?"

"A handshake. It's western, but it's what friends do on this planet in some places," she said. He extended his hand, and then she put hers in it to give it a firm shake.

"Odd customs. Sleep well, woman," he said as she walked away and closed the door to the smaller bedroom. Muttering to himself he exited and found his way to the other bed that was considerably larger. It dawned on him she had let him have this room because the bed was far more adequate for his sizable frame. Mumbling he shed his clothes and slid between the sheets. Soon he was fast asleep.
***