Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Saiyan Foster Father ❯ Goku misses his mate ( Chapter 23 )

Goku Misses his Mate

 

Within the living room, Goten and Trunks pressed buttons violently as they guided their video game characters through Street Fighter II. Bohr and Fermi got up and toddled over to Atomique, hand in hand with Radditz.

 

"Mommy, why are you holding hands with Uncle Raddish man?" asked Bohr.

 

"That's Radditzu, silly," said Fermi with a frustrated pressing of his lips. "My brother's such a toddler!"

 

"Well, you fine young warriors… are you watching these two play a combat simulation?" Radditz asked, a bit nervous around children he hardly knew.

 

"Trunks is kicking Goten-kuns butt!" laughed Fermi.

 

"Are you and my mommy holding hands cause you're special friends?" Bohr asked, walking over and looking up at Radditz.

 

"Yes," she nodded. "I want you to get to know him a little better… he's not used to kids… but he would like to get to know you…"

 

"You said you were like Son Goku-sama… his older brother. Will you be living here with us now if you and mommy are friends?" asked Bohr, hands on his hips.

 

"He's the funny man's brother, so he has to be, and he'll probably live here when he's not working at the Prince's palace," said Fermi. "Do you have strong powers like Goku-sama?"

 

"Yes, I do. Would you like to see them?" he asked.

 

"Yeah!" Bohr clapped his hands. He raised his hands up to Radditz, and he blinked at Atomique.

 

"I think he wants you to pick him up…" she whispered.

 

"Ah," said Radditz, reaching down and gingerly lifting the boy by his sides like he saw Goku do.

 

"Higher!" he laughed. Radditz blinked, and Atomique smiled, swinging her arms back and forth. Dubiously Radditz swung the boy with his brawny arms. Bohr squealed and laughed, smiling for joy.

 

"Me next," said Fermi.

 

"I wanna piggyback ride!" said Bohr. Sighing, Radditz put the boy on his shoulders, and saw Goku giving him a grin.

 

"Well, that's sorta the idea," said Goku, picking his brother up. "Like this…"

 

Radditz tried to duplicate what his younger brother did, and felt fists grabbing and tugging his hair. He didn't' mind at all, in fact he relished the strength the brat had. "You've got funny hair just like Mr. Funny man!" Bohr laughed.

 

"Of course. He's my little brother," said Radditz.

 

"That's right," said Son Goku with a warm grin. Radditz gave a non-committal grunt; much like Bejita did, and put his hands on the boy's hips.

 

"Dad? Where'd Nissan and Videl go?" Goten asked them.

 

"Why's that?" asked Goku, passing Fermi over to Atomique. Radditz felt the hand drag over his cheek and couldn't help but laugh as he felt the boy crawling all over him.

 

"Cause my mom and dad want me back before the late afternoon, Son Goku-san," Trunks said.

 

"Perhaps I could take them, if it is permissible," said Radditz, glancing at Atomique. Goku shrugged and looked at his sons.

 

"But the twins?" she asked.

 

"I am sure his Majesty will not mind the presence of these little ones," said Radditz.

 

"Aww, don't worry I can take 'em," said Goku. "You two probably want to catch up with Bejita and Buruma. I can bring them by when I visit…"

 

"So you're gonna take me back, huh?" Trunks asked.

 

"Yes your majesty," said Radditz, inclining his head.

 

"Ohhh… now this is interesting," Trunks grinned.

 

"You are the son of the Saiyan no Ouji," Radditz said, still bent in a bow.

 

"Trunks, don't get any ideas!" Goten groaned.

 

"Trunks, he is right, but don't let it get to your head, okay?" asked Atomique.

 

"Aww you're not fun, Star Child-san…"

 

At the sound of this, she and Radditz both stiffened. When he growled in his throat she said quickly, "You don't have to be THAT Formal with me, Trunks-kun? After all your mom said it was perfectly all right, unless she's changed her mind."

 

"Sorry, just call her Atomique-sama," Goten corrected him.

 

"We'll take you back, your majesty, if my younger brother agrees?" Radditzu called.

 

"Sure thing, Radditz," said Goku.

 

"I wanna go!" said Bohr, tugging on Radditz's leg. He glanced helplessly at Goku.

 

"Why not? I'll bring Fermi and Goten with me… unless…"

 

Sighing, Radditz picked up the boy and put him on his shoulders. "If you wish it, I shall carry you. Unless you can fly… as I've seen…"

 

"Piggyback!" Bohr laughed. Radditz was amused to say the least.

 

"I wanna go too," said Fermi, pouting. Reaching down, Radditz swept him up and set him on his other shoulder. Bohr gave him a shove.

 

"I'll take you, and you two can take turns, all right?" she suggested, picking up Fermi. Goku glanced at Radditz with an enigmatic smile.

 

"Guess you're a natural with kids after all?" Goku said, realizing this Radditz wasn't the one who had all but killed him and his son. Rather he was a warrior who had served under Bejita, and had been ill used. Now he was trying to connect with his clan in a way like a lost prodigal son. Son Goku winked at Atomique as she steadied her son on her shoulder.

 

"I'll be by soon, okay? Goten, Trunks, you okay with going with Radditz?"

 

"Sure, fine, it's cool," grinned Trunks.

 

"Yeah, cool Uncle!" laughed Goten.

 

"That'd be awesome, cause my Dad's always saying he wants you to come by and spar so he can see if he can still kick your butt!" Trunks called.

 

"He did NOT!" Goten called out. "My daddy can kick your daddy's butt any day of the week, got it?"

 

"Sure, right, whatever," Trunks laughed. "I'll bet you… two of my video games, any of your choice… that my dad challenges your dad the minute we arrive!"

 

"Really? Do I get to pick?" Goten asked.

 

"Mommy?" called the twins.

 

"Dad, I just heard you were going over to take Trunks back?" Gohan asked, as he wandered in, tugging on his sweatpants. He saw Radditz and Atomique standing there carrying each on their shoulders.

 

"I cannot arrive without my armor… it is not seemly for a warrior to address his prince without…" Radditz suddenly groaned.

 

"Don't' worry, I'll give ya a royal pardon," Trunks said dismissively. "C'mon, Radditz, let's boogie…"

 

"They're going… with you?" Gohan asked, glancing at Goku.

 

"Why not," said Goku. "Besides, Bejita's used to these two. And Radditz does wanna see the Prince, right?"

 

"Yes Brother. The children will be safe in my charge, do not worry," said Radditz with a nod. "Now if you'll excuse me… we shall go… greetings Nephew…"

 

"Um… hi… Uncle…" he said awkwardly, still jumpy around his uncle. Memories so vivid still persisted. Goku waved and shoed them all out the door.

 

***

"Before you and Videl leave, I'd like to talk to you alone in the kitchen?" Goku asked.

 

"Dad…" he snorted in frustration. "Are you SURE we can trust him?"

 

"He's my brother. And he's NOT the Radditz that kidnapped you. He's from another reality…"

 

"Yeah cool, but he's still RADDITZ! HELLO!" Gohan snorted. "And now he's with… with…"

 

"I know, but I trust her, and I'm gonna trust him. Trunks and Goten are fine with it, and I'm sure that Radditz is going to be sure to protect them all. He's loyal to Bejita, remember?"

 

"Yes… but I just can't…" Gohan snorted.

 

"You'll have to get used to it. Because I made a promise to Bejita that I'd take him in. Saiyan family is everything you know… and considering that I killed him in this reality I owe him a chance…" said Son Goku.

 

"You're just too trusting dad," sighed Gohan. "But all right… but if he hurts…"

 

"Atomique and he are mates now. He won't do anything to hurt her, because he loves her," Goku said quickly.

 

"Maybe it's something to do with what you were smiling about all through breakfast dad?" asked Gohan quietly. "Look, I'm glad you're happy and all, and I'm not mad or anything. I think it's GREAT that he found someone to make him happy… but I'm worried about you…"

 

"What are you talking about?" he asked awkwardly.

 

"Videl knew something was going down, and it's kind of hard not to notice these things when you've got… um," said Gohan.

 

"Personal experience?" his father said with a knowing smug look.

 

"I thought you wanted her yourself," said Gohan softly as he walked into the kitchen after Goku. His father reached into the fridge and pulled out two cans of soda. Tossing one to him, he sat down and cracked his open. Gohan sighed, and sat next to him, playing with his can nervously.

 

"I did, but it wasn't right. And I'm glad that Radditz was there for her…" said Goku.

 

"You trying to convince me, or yourself?" asked Gohan.

 

"I don't know…" sighed Goku. "But we both know… it couldn't' work…"

 

"You know we're gonna have to face up to her… sooner or later… and Goten…" said Gohan. "It's mother isn't it? Are you still in love with her?"

 

"Yes," said Goku. "That's why I've been holding off for so long. I didn't want to make anyone… angry at me again."

 

"You did the right thing," said Gohan quietly. "I'm glad that you didn't… but what if Mom's… found someone special… like I have? Do you think it's possible…"

 

"I want her back," said Goku. "But I don't know how…"

 

"Dad, if that's what you want… look I'll find some way of helping you, you know that!" Gohan said.

 

"Are you still angry at me for…" he asked.

 

"For being away so long?" asked Gohan quietly. Goku nodded seriously, looking his son directly in the eye.

 

"Be honest…"

 

"I always am Dad. Sure part of me is still sore that you and Mom aren't together anymore, but I sensed something was always up the longer you were… away… she didn't exactly keep her mouth shut about it. I tried to convince her not to talk about it in front of Goten, because it's not nice to say things behind people's backs, if they're dead or alive…" said Gohan, sitting down at the table opposite his father, who flopped down in sadness.

 

"I still blame myself. If I'd been there… if I'd known how upset it made her whenever I was gone… I know how selfish it was, but at the time…"

 

"You did what had to be done. You don't' have to justify it to me, Dad, I get it. But beating yourself up isn't good either. Divorce stinks, but it's all for the best. I mean seriously, it wasn't healthy for her to have all that anger bottled up inside and hearing her fight with you sometimes was hard…"

 

"You heard the arguments," Goku said quietly, squeezing his eyes shut. "Kuso…"

 

"It's all over and done with, Dad. We all make mistakes. The whole point is, that you guys needed some time to work it out apart… but you might have to face up to it… if she doesn't want to return…"

 

"I understand how upset she was now. More than I ever thought possible. Just how she managed to do it all amazes me," Goku shook his head.

 

"I'm a bit angry at her for leaving us with you," said Gohan seriously.

 

"Your mother never stopped loving you, you must know that, son," said Goku, reaching across to take his son's hand.

 

"I know… but… jumping right into the arms of that… that…"

 

"Let it go. You're telling me to, so the next time we see her… when she has visitation with Goten, I'll try and bury the hatchet," said Goku. "I want to end all this hurt."

 

"I'm just wondering why she didn't take us with her. I mean Goten asked me, and we always told him what she told me to say…"

 

"He'd grown up here his whole life. He knows that mom wants the best. And that it was time he got to know his dad better," said Son Goku with a sad smile.

 

"She planned it for so many years, if you ever did come back, don't you see?" asked Gohan.

 

"All the better she's with someone who can appreciate her. Who can love her and treat her the right way she needs," said Son Goku. "And I want to be that man!"

 

"Aren't you the least bit angry or bitter? I mean in all the time I've known you Dad… you just amaze me how you can…"

 

"Of course I'm angry and bitter, but that's not going to bring her back or make things the way they were. But she's still your mother, and she will still have my full respect… that I failed to give her all these years. She didn't have to let me take care of you, you realize?" said Son Goku. "She's given me that chance, and if she sees that I've succeeded, maybe we can be a family again!"

 

"But she did… I thought it was just to get back at you, but now I see why…" said Gohan.

 

"She knew that I'd do everything to make it right, and I have… I've done the best I can… at least I hope I did," said Goku quietly, looking for a moment like a lost boy. "I can't make up for the time I lost… but I can at least try to make sure I don't' make the same mistake again…And I think she realizes that. And it is time we all started smoothing the hurt out… and see if we can be a family…"

 

"Dad, are you sure?" asked Gohan. He got up and went over to hug his dad, slapping him on the back.

 

"Yes. I love her. I need her. She's my other half, and I'll fight for her if I have to…"

 

"Dad, just don't be unrealistic…" Gohan said.

 

"I have to believe it," said Goku.

 

"Um… not to change the subject… but sure you don't mind Uncle Radditz taking the boys?"

 

"Not at all. Atomique likes him practicing being a babysitter… and I think they're taking a shine to him. I don't think I'd want them listening to Mr. Satan's foul mouth, do you?" Goku grinned.

 

"You're worried about them if Dragon Womyn is there… Atomique told you?" said Gohan.

 

"Yes. I know all about the nightmares. I asked her one day when she was preoccupied… after a tutoring session, and it all came out. She's afraid she'll take Bohr-kun and Fermi-kun away… which is why I'm glad Radditz is with her. HE won't let it happen. I know it. And now that he's with her…"

 

"She won't dare with him around. I'm afraid he'd kill her," said Gohan.

 

"Yes, but that's her problem, I only hope he doesn't," said Goku quietly.

 

"Um well… uh… Have you called Videl's dad yet?" asked Gohan, cutting into the uncomfortable silence.

 

"I will soon, I promise," said Goku, getting up and walking over to pick up the phone. "You and Videl get ready… I think the car's got gas…"

 

"Okay Dad, let me know… I'll just say bye to Trunks and Goten, and round up the boys… does Atomique-san know?"

 

"She does… take care ok?"

 

"Sure Dad…" he nodded, as Son Goku dialed Mr. Satan's residence.

***

Trunks and Goten watched as Radditz and Atomique both picked up the twins respectively. They strode out the door, and into the clearing. Momentarily they turned and saw Gohan exit dressed in his black pants, white shirt and a sports jacket.

 

"Trunks, Goten, you guys ready to go?" asked Son Goku, striding into the clearing. He wore his usual orange training ensemble, but he'd also thrown on a loose blue windbreaker.

 

"Yeah dad… are we gonna drive or…" asked Gohan.

 

"Lame, we'll fly, right?" asked Trunks.

 

"Of course," said Radditzu. "No other way your majesty…"

 

"What did my dad say, Goku-san?" asked Videl, zipping up her coat and shouldering her bag. Gohan took a bag filled with various items for the twins and handed it to Atomique. Radditz grabbed it and slung it over his shoulder. Goku leaned down to kiss each son before he left to get into the car with his daughter in law and son.

 

"I told him a new fan just were DYING to meet him, and that you were bringing them over when you came home," Goku winked.

 

"Ohh, you're clever but I don't know if my dad's gonna buy it!" Videl groaned. Instantly both boys chorused the famous Satan chant.

 

"They've got THAT part down right," Trunks whispered to Goten. "That silly chant's perfect… even if it is lame… you sure you want them to go with US?"

 

"Shh, Videl's got sharp ears…" Goten said, giving him a kick in the shins.

 

"Ow, I'm so hurt," Trunks rolled his eyes, smirking.

 

"Ready to go?" Goku interrupted.

 

"Yep, let's fly. Later, Gohan!" called Trunks, waiting for the young couple to finish loading Videl's stuff into the trunk. Gohan kept a wary eye on the new couple and his brother and Trunks. Goku sighed, and wandered over to them.

 

"I will care for her," said Radditz, turning to Goku.

 

"Wait, before you go… you two might want jackets," said Son Goku. He threw a windbreaker to Radditz, bearing a sports logo of a baseball team. Putting down the bag, Radditz held it up. Bohr levitated off his shoulder so he could draw on the coat, and admire it.

 

"Thank you Brother. It suits me well," he nodded. Bohr landed and grabbed twin handfuls of Radditz's hair. Goku then handed him a long silk coat.

 

"It's for her," whispered Goku. Radditz stiffly held it up, grunting as he held her son on his shoulder and his bag slung around his body. Shyly she let the Saiyan warrior help her on with it, then smiled to Goku. Trunks and Goten shouldered their multicolored backpacks. The engine of the white car roared into life as Gohan pulled out and onto the main hover car road leading down Mt. Paozu.

***

Atomique motioned them both over, saying, "Okay guys, I've got you for the day. We're gonna drop you off Trunks, and hopefully stay a bit because I think Radditz here wants to talk to your dad…"

 

"I hope that your majesty will grant me a favor," said Radditz, inclining his head to Trunks.

 

"Sure, I guarantee it," Trunks grinned, winking at Goten.

 

"At least we're not putting up with Mr. Satan," said Goten.

 

"Mr. Satan? He's so funny!" laughed Fermi. "Almost as funny as Son Goku-san!"

 

"He's LOTS more entertaining then that… he's a million laughs…" Trunks winked.

 

"Now mind your manners, he's going to be Gohan's father-in-law!" Atomique cautioned.

 

"Mr. Satan's the wrestler I've seen on TV, right, Goten-kun?" asked Bohr.

 

"Yep, and he's gonna flip when you bring your girlfriend home with two kids," giggled Goten.

 

"Oh please, he's just taking them so Mr. Satan doesn't try and fight him and get himself put in the hospital!" Trunks whispered, then shut up when Atomique glared at him.

 

"We want to meet the funny wrestler man," said Bohr.

 

"Later perhaps, young one," said Radditz. "Now should we leave, sire?"

 

"C'mon, no time to lose," Trunks nodded to the others, leading the way out of the clearing and down the road. Atomique glanced down at Goten who was exchanging confused glances with a smirking Trunks.

 

"What?" he whispered, leaning close.

 

"I'll tell ya later. It's gonna be funny seeing the look on my dad's face when he sees your dad today," Trunks whispered.

 

"What?"

 

"You'll see. It's gonna be great…" Trunks chuckled.

 

"Let's go, time's wasting," said Atomique brightly. "Go on ahead, and see if you can outrun us…"

 

"Are you kidding?" Goten asked, blinking at his Uncle and then his friend.

 

"Last one there's a rotten egg," Trunks laughed, rocketing off first in a blaze of blue ki.

 

"Hey no FAIR!" Goten yelled, hurling himself into the air after his buddy. Soon they were distant flashes of energy receding into the horizon.

 

"Ready, little one?" Radditz asked. She nodded, and both of them lifted off with equal velocity. Focusing the lavender chikara she pushed her energies downward like focusing her alchemy transmutation. Not wanting to seem too needy she pushed herself hard after Radditzu who was blazing ahead with his whitish blue ki envelope slicing into the air with ease. They managed to catch up to within a half mile, then a quarter of the two youths streaking ahead like comets in the sky.

 

"Faster!" cried Bohr.

 

"Mommy, faster!" called Fermi. She gasped as he held onto her neck, while Bohr held Radditz by his hair. He grinned at her, enjoying the chase of the royal and his friend.

 

"They're fast for someone their age… how can they have so much energy?" she panted.

 

"Are you all right?" Radditz asked her.

 

"Sure, not a problem…" she panted, sweat pouring off her forehead.

 

"Let me know if you need a breather," he said, reaching out and grasping her hand. She mumbled with embarrassment, but felt Radditzu transfer a bit of his ki into her, then he let go.

 

Her body glowed and tingled with the excess Saiyan energy, supercharged. Shooting forwards, she soon matched pace while Radditz closed the gap between them and his son and son's best friend. Within a few hours they crossed the distance to West City, and soon spotted Capsule far below.

***